Art is not meant to be contemplated from a distance, for it is an active force within a community—an act of resistance as well as of encounter—as it sparks conversation, enlivens public spaces, and strengthens the bonds that sustain us as a society. This was the observation made by Benito del Águila, director of the ArtWalk Rosarito festival, which has been held in Playas de Rosarito for the past 15 years.
This festival serves as a space where such connections are made visible, he noted, referring to the fact that for two days, Rosarito will be brimming with creativity thanks to the participation of 70 artists, artisans, and designers who will present original works, live art demonstrations, and unique pieces for collectors and visitors alike.
The artistic community involved is binational; it fosters a dialogue aimed at conveying a message of humanity and spirituality, with the ultimate goal of erasing differences and building bridges through art and culture, he pointed out in an interview.
Among the artists participating in the project are Rocío Hoffman, David Silvah, Esaú Andrade, Amy Gastélum, Amaya, Germán Rubio, and Marlen Castor.
One of the festival’s most notable highlights is the urban exhibition titled “Tribute to the Great Masters of Visual Arts in Baja California.” This installation is dedicated to artists who have passed away over the festival’s 15-year history—all of whom had previously participated in this art fair.
The artists being honored are Alfredo Villafaña, Álvaro Blancarte, Jorge Luna, Manuel Lizárraga, Marilynn Pardee, Martín Téllez, Miguel Nájera, Pabel, and Ruth Hernández.
A standout feature of this year’s edition is a collaboration with Baja Fringe—a platform linked within Mexico to the San Diego International Fringe Festival. The latter is part of the global network of festivals belonging to the world’s largest performing arts movement; this collaboration takes the form of a collective improvisation performance featuring contemporary circus arts.
Titled “I Think It Could Work,” the piece is presented by the Chicago-based company Full Out Formula. It is a performance that blends acrobatics, juggling, physical storytelling, and theatrical play to offer a reflection on the various decisions and paths one chooses to take in life. The program will feature eight presentations spanning novels, short stories, children’s literature, and poetry, as well as performances by the Allegro Music Academy, the Yolihuani Folkloric Ballet, and the School of Higher Arts and Music.
Benito del Águila announced that the festival will take place on May 23 and 24 at the Rosarito State Center for the Arts.
“It is a vibrant, valuable, and collective festival,” noted Mexicali-based visual artist and choreographer Aida Corral, a participant since the event’s inception.
For her part, Baja Fringe Director—and dancer—Bárbara Velasco highlighted the platform’s connection with Artwalk, noting that it “draws inspiration from this movement, which originated in Edinburgh and whose representatives from various countries—including Nigeria, Great Britain, Austria, and Australia—will gather in California and subsequently in the Tijuana mural district.”
“Here we stand—despite borders—to explore different languages, above all, the language of the soul,” she affirmed.
Meanwhile, Mónica Ramírez, Director of Canirac Rosarito, announced the Fish and Seafood Festival, which will be held on the first day of August at the Rosarito Beach Hotel.
Source: jornada
