,
By Jesse Jones
The newest art gallery in Corrales, INHABIT Galerie, hosted an interactive performance that pushed artistic boundaries on Feb. 22.
Diné interdisciplinary artist Cami’ Leonard led the audience in a short processionary walk, creating a collaborative and interactive experience that blurred the line between artist and observer.
“It’s just not me performing in front of everybody, but I like to bring people together and create art,†says Leonard.
Leonard, an interdisciplinary artist rooted in Athabaskan Diné culture, lives in Dzilth-Na-O-Dith-Hle near Nageezi during the week, where she cares for her father. On weekends, she stays in Corrales to rest. A University of New Mexico theater and dance graduate, Leonard brings her cultural and artistic expertise to her work.
INHABIT Galerie, a new art space in Corrales owned by Marisa Ravalli, showcases primarily New Mexican artists. Ravalli, a curator and art critic with over 35 years of experience, sparked a collaboration with Leonard after she visited the gallery and was inspired by Ravalli’s “Field of Hearts†exhibit.
The exhibit features a Valentine’s Day craft project created by local teens, ages 12-19, from diverse backgrounds, including those incarcerated or serving sentences at the Bernalillo County Juvenile Detention Center.
“[Leonard] just happened to come into the gallery and loved what I was doing,†Ravalli said. “She just was really inspired by that project and approached me and said, ‘How would you like it if I came and did a performance here?’ And, of course, I was beyond thrilled,†Ravalli said.
Leonard is an interdisciplinary artist who studied modern dance, the Laban Bartenieff Movement, dance history, improvisation and flamenco. She has guest appeared in Santa Fe, Phoenix and Rochester, N.Y., collaborating with composers, choreographers and filmmakers. Her work spans theater, film, photography, music and modeling.
“Culture has been a part of who I am as a person and also preserving my culture,†Leonard said. “All cultures are important to preserve, so that’s a big part of who I am.â€
Leonard is passionate about education outreach. She shares her expertise in dance history, movement, theater and Native American culture with university students and Native communities. Leonard also held the titles of Miss Indian New Mexico XXIII and National Miss Indian Nations III.
According to Leonard, the performance is a collaboration that builds on Ravalli’s “Field of Hearts†project, which inspired her work. She didn’t want to reveal too much but said to bring some comfortable shoes for a little walk.
“I’m also facilitating,†she said, describing it as a collaborative, interactive experience designed to bring people together.
Leonard said that being a full-time caregiver has left little time for her art, but this moment in history inspires her creativity and expression. “It motivates me to bring out my art more and to tell our stories,†she said.
For more information
INHABIT Galerie, 4436 Corrales Road.
Gallery Hours:
Thursday – Sunday, 12:30 – 5 p.m., or by appointment
Contact:
Phone: 505-524-5856
Email: marisinhabit@gmail.com
Instagram: @inhabitgalerie_12