Roberto Castillo: The Universe Within: Portraits of Consciousness (FotoFest 2016 Biennial at HCC Central)

HCC Central Art presents The Universe Within: Portraits of Consciousness by Roberto Castillo in conjunction with the FOTOFEST 2016 Biennial.  Opening Reception: Thursday, March 3, 5:30 to 7:30.  Exhibition dates: March 2 – April 5, 2016

In his new exhibit The Universe Within: Portraits of Consciousness, Native American artist Roberto Castillo invites the viewer to peer with him through the lens of his Toltec heritage at images that might best be described as the outer expression of an internal spiritual journey.

This digital art project merges portrait photography of 12 individuals with Hubble Space Telescope imagery, into a series of composites.  Each image, distinct to that individual, extols the scientific and spiritual concept that the universe, both literally and metaphysically, is present within everyone. This series is meant to challenge the theories of identity one ascribes to others and oneself; an identity that transcends nationalism, gender and ethnicity and affirms that we are in every particle of our existence, citizens of the universe.

Castillo explains that, “What the viewer sees is simply the lawful result of an internal dialogue; between myself and the cosmic ocean of reality. I believe that energy has to be expressed. The art that comes from me is a prayer. It is the outer expression of my internal spiritual journey, and of my effort to master not only the various creative mediums I use but also my mind. The final result is a sacred dance between order and chaos.”

The Universe Within: Portraits of Consciousness will run in the HCC Central Gallery concurrently with Marc Brubaker: I Turn My Camera On, March 2 through April 5. Please note that the gallery will be closed during spring break, March 14 through March 20.