SUDESTADA is pleased to present "Why Are We So Afraid?"—the first solo exhibition of San Francisco-based textile artist Florencia Montefalcone.
Born and raised in Buenos Aires, Florencia's work revolves around the historical objectification of nude female bodies and the preconceived notions of beauty. Through her hand-painted textiles, performances, and fashion pieces, she consistently exposes personal and collective fears as a form of empowerment and identity construction.
In Montefalcone’s own words: "I have realized that the most important things I've made, I've been absolutely terrified of doing in the first place.
Every performance, photograph, speech, or artwork that has filled me with trepidation before its creation or exhibition has turned out to be the most significant. These projects, where I lay bare my vulnerabilities and confront my fears, have sparked the most profound and nourishing conversations with peers and mentors.”
Reflecting on this and using her statement pieces as a starting point, "Why Are We So Afraid?" takes her practice to the next level by inviting everyone to become part of the narrative of her work.
From July 11th to August 4th the studio will act as a gallery and residency in which Florencia will finish one of her largest hand-painted pieces in collaboration with the public for the development of the first run of 100 pairs of Love Me Boots. These boots will embody the Mythology of Fear, a series of tales collected from visitors to the studio. The artist will read and interpret these stories onto the fabric using an array of colors. Once complete, the painted organza will be transformed into 100 pairs of boots, ready to walk with the souls who choose to wear them and dress to impress.