Press Release
" MIAMI, FL. - Orestes Diaz, curator, will present a solo show by Ana Pimentel, titled "Carnival of Life". Opening reception will be during the Wynwood Art Walk on Saturday, May 10, 2008, at ‘ISM Gallery, located at 167 NW 23rd Street.

Each piece in itself, and even more as a collection, Ana Pimentel's works are like a conversation between two worlds: a traditional, idealistic one, and more remote, less accessible one. On the one side is the well-socialized conscious; on the other side is the mysterious sub-conscious.

Nearly each piece seems to be playing with balance/imbalance/symmetry/asymmetry. The pieces are as much influenced by abstract works as by the homely traditions of decorous homes. The pieces emulate the sweetness and simplicity of puppy love, yet they also mock at it.

Layers of different fabrics, materials, shapes, patterns and colors are arranged to an effect that is sometimes reminiscent of quilting as the different materials and shapes overlap, occasionally creating a regular pattern. In fact one sometimes has the impression of looking at handmade wall or table coverings with its associated harmonious color choice, symmetry (Twin Souls, Twin Brothers), and the use of symbols suggestive of peace and happiness: flowers, butterflies and the like. As if taking a further step in the same direction, on many of the pieces in the current series two cartoon-like characters with exaggerated proportions (large heads and eyes) and gestures are incorporated. These characters are the likes of those found in many proper, Catholic homes such as the Precious Moments figurines: symbols of peace, love, and harmony, and are perhaps reminders of proper behavior. Of course, the true artistry of the works comes from playing with these elements through creating asymmetry."

Ana Pimentel is graduated in Painting / Plastic Arts by the Faculty of Fine Arts of Oporto University.
With several solo exhibitions in the last few years, including a travelling exhibition organized by the Camões Institute (Brazil, 2004/2006).

Her works have appeared in numerous solo and group exhibitions at such venues as the Barbican Art Gallery (Londres 1993), Nordico Museum Der Stadt (Linz - Austrich 1998), Majdanek Museum (Lublin - Poland 2000), Serralves Foundation (Oporto, Portugal 2000), Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation (Paris 2003),Museum Historico National of Rio de Janeiro(Brazil 2004), Pará State Museum(Brazil 2004), Arts Palace of Belo Horizonte ( Brazil 2004), Bahía Art Museum ( Brazil 2006), ISM Gallery(Miami-USA 2007), Macau Military Club (Macao-China 2007), Focus Abengoa Foundation (Seville-Spain 2007), Galerie Denise Van de Velde (Aalst -Belgium 2008)

Ana Pimentel was born in Ermesinde (Porto), Portugal. She currently lives and works in Porto, Portugal.