MAKE/SPACE Mural Project
Artists:
Dre Gutierrez Reyes
Dates:
Sunday, September 1, 2019 - June 15, 2023
We are thrilled to welcome Victoria-based tattoo artist and illustrator Dre Gutierrez Reyes as our featured artist for this summer’s MAKE/SPACE Mural Project!
We spent the first half of July eagerly awaiting the submission deadline, and weren’t disappointed by the myriad talented artists whose mural proposals graced our inbox.
Dre’s proposal captured our attention with bright colour, bold design, and a deeply integrated sense of locality and perspective. Her work is inspired by the abstract themes of Dadaism, the bold colours of Michoacana folk art, and the symbolism of Latin American Catholic iconography. Motivated by the resilience of the Black and Indigenous People of Colour (BIPOC) community in Victoria, Dre hopes to create with the mural a “reclaimed safe space, a visible reminder to refuel our energy through community bonds, through our ancestral ties, and through sharing and illustrating our stories.”
The mural will be installed in the second half of August and a launch event and artist talk will be held Sunday, September 1 from 11-4pm in the parking lot next to Open Space. The event will feature music performances from LOOELLE, Quarterback, and Baraka and food from Tishanna's Kitchen and Cold Comfort. For more information.
We’re grateful for the assistance of the City of Victoria in this project through the My Great Neighbourhood Grant.
Find merch from this project in the Open Space Online Store.
Dre Gutierrez Reyes
Dre Gutierrez Reyes is an Afro-latina tattoo artist and illustrator currently residing on Lekwungen territory. In her tattoo practice Dre strives to provide an all-inclusive space for the BIPOC and LGBTQ2S community to adorn their bodies. Dre’s work is inspired by the bold colour palettes of vintage comic books, Mexican folk art, and the symbolism of Catholic iconography as well as Chicano culture. Her goal as an artist is to elevate other artists of colour, and look for inclusive opportunities so others can find healing through creativity as well.