José García Oliva
On Concrete
Whispers Amidst the Noise
Wringer
Landscapes
24 co-ordinates
Mano Vuelta
Traces
Removed for Conservation
Topologies
Arepa Viuda
How May I Serve You?
Un Toque
Games People Play
Arepa Viuda, 2021 / In collaboration with undocumented Venezuelans selling arepas in food markets in Helsinki.








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Specifications

 Glicée prints on fibre rag paper
22 x 22 cm
Video (8:41min)

DescriptionArepa Viuda is a series of photographs of undocumented Venezuelan making arepas in Europe. This series started from various street markets in Helsinki, Finland. This genuinely sculptural work of mixing, kneading and shaping this dough (masas) reveals the history of an emigrated people, rooted in a culinary tradition—whether consciously or unconsciously—that dates back to to the culinary art of the Caribbean natives. 
In recent years the arepa has had a worldwide presence, and its prominent appearance is the result of the colossal emigration of Venezuelans and Colombians. This externalization demonstrates the refugee’s need to remix and shape alternative forms in order to survive abroad, financially and emotionally. This folkloric process of hand and corn portrays not only a long-forgotten humanitarian crisis, but also a quiet symbol of resilience.

During the development of this project I met Peruvian-Finnish poet, Roxana Crisólogo Correa and she wrote a piece inspired by this work. Titled by the same name “Arepa Viuda” You can see the full text above. 

Arepa Viuda was awarded and financed by the Finnish Ibero-American Art Institute to show it in Helsinki, Finland at Myymala2 gallery.