Pamela Martinez, a prominent figure in the San Antonio arts scene and the creative force behind Teletextile, is set to unveil her latest gallery showing titled Yanawana: The Wait | Of Water. The exhibit will commence with a free & open to the public opening event that will take place at the Mercury Project Contemporary Art Space on October 12th, from 7 PM to 10 PM.
Yanawana: The Wait | Of Water will be the first solo gallery show by Martinez. Her projects with Teletextile are known for bringing large-scale, site-specific, music-based performances to San Antonio inspired by nature, science, and ancestral ties. This exhibit continues that work exploring the intricate connections between land, water, and culture, drawing inspiration from the indigenous name for the San Antonio River, Yanaguana. The project is deeply rooted in San Antonio’s history and seeks to bridge the past and present through a dynamic blend of sonic and visual art. As Martinez ventures into the realm of visual art, they embrace a new artistic direction that expands their practice beyond music performance.
The exhibit will feature a variety of artworks that incorporate both sound and sculpture, creating immersive environments for attendees. Among the highlights are interactive performances that invite audience goers to examine part of The San Antonio River under a microscope. Other works are made with pigments gathered at the banks of the river or encourage you to listen to the sound of clay from the river expanding underwater. This fusion of art forms reflects a mystical connection between the elements and the culture they represent, encouraging viewers to engage with the work on multiple sensory levels.
Martinez, a reiki master and multi-instrumentalist, has an extensive background in music and performance art. Her previous works, including Dam! A Song of Water & Estafiate: Music for Plants have garnered attention for their innovative approach to sound and healing, and Yanawana: The Wait | Of Water continues this legacy. The exhibit is not only a showcase of artistic talent but also a platform for community engagement, inviting attendees to reflect on their relationships with the natural world and the histories that shape their surroundings.
In a statement about the project, Pamela Martinez expressed, "Yanawana: The Wait | Of Water is a journey that connects our land and its stories through sound and visual expression. It is an invitation to explore the depths of our environment and its cultural significance. This exhibit represents a pivotal moment in my artistic journey, as I weave together my experiences in music and visual art to create a holistic experience for the audience."
- Pamela Martinez
The opening celebration at Mercury Project Contemporary Art Space promises to be a vibrant gathering of art lovers and community members. This event marks a significant milestone for Martinez and her collaborators, who are dedicated to fostering an environment of intentional listening and creative exploration. Attendees can look forward to a memorable evening that highlights the intersection of art, nature, and history, as represented in Yanawana: The Wait | Of Water.
Guests will also be treated to drinks and snacks during the opening event on October 12th from 7pm - 10pm. On October 20th join Teletextile at the exhibit for a sound bath from 4pm - 5pm. Those who wish can view the exhibit by appointment by contacting teletextile@gmail.com. The final day to view the exhibit will be Sunday, October 27th. This exhibition is made possible by the City of San Antonio Department of Arts & Culture Individual Artist Grant.
Yanawana: The Wait | Of Water is part of an ongoing series known as The Listener’s Gallery which presents sound art and experimental performance. Pamela Martinez / Teletextile curates The Listener’s Gallery series and has received a City of San Antonio Department of Arts & Culture Individual Artist Grant and a COSA Production Costs Grant for Artists to be able to create two performances of The Listener’s Gallery in 2025. Each of these will feature artists chosen via Visual & Performing Arts Collaborative Open Call which will open the day of Yanawana: The Wait | Of Water and close Nov 30, 2024. Martinez will curate collaborations by matching a performing artist (sound, dance, music, poetry, theater, etc.) with a visual artist (painter, videographer, textile artist, printmaker, etc).
This exhibition also kicks off The Listener’s Gallery Performing Arts Collaborative Open Call. Artists who wish to participate in future installments of The Listeners Gallery can do so by contacting Pamela Martinez here or via email at teletextile@gmail.com. To learn more about The Listener's Gallery or to sign up to be considered, click here.