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The Altos de Chavón gallery opened “Solo Labarca,” a solo exhibition by artist Gerardo Labarca that invites visitors into a deeply personal visual world shaped by intuition, emotion and lived experience. The exhibition debuted Sept. 5, 2025 and will remain on view through Oct. 5.

The show brings together works that reflect Labarca’s artistic growth and his ongoing exploration of visual language as a form of honesty and self-examination. According to the gallery, the collection highlights the artist’s focus on the human and animal figure as tools for reflection and connection.

An Unconventional Artistic Path

Labarca is a self-taught artist originally from Venezuela who has lived in Montreal since 1993. Before committing fully to art, he built a successful career in gastronomy, leading two restaurants ranked among Canada’s top 10. He later stepped away from the culinary world to follow what he describes as a long-standing creative calling.

His work carries an emotional and experimental tone, shaped by personal experience rather than formal training. Figures appear as vessels for inner dialogue, inviting viewers to slow down and look inward.

A Conversation With the Artist

During the opening night, guests gathered for an intimate conversation with Labarca, who spoke about his creative process and his view of art as an act of internal listening.

“The true expression of art lies in the ability to listen to yourself without being influenced by outside opinions,” Labarca said, a statement that resonated throughout the evening.

Attendees engaged directly with the artist before the official opening, creating a relaxed and thoughtful atmosphere that mirrored the spirit of the work on display.

Opening Night at Altos de Chavón

The gallery welcomed visitors with a small reception featuring drinks and light bites, encouraging conversation and close viewing of the pieces. The evening concluded at 8:30 p.m., leaving guests with a strong sense of the artist’s visual voice and personal story.

Visit the Exhibition

“Solo Labarca” is open to the public daily from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. at the Altos de Chavón gallery through Oct. 5. The exhibition offers residents, guests and art lovers a chance to experience the work of an artist who has turned life experience into a quiet yet powerful visual dialogue.

For those who enjoy art that asks questions rather than provides answers, this exhibition invites you to pause, observe and listen.

*Photos courtesy of Costasur