Estamos en Todas Menos Misa is a Spanish colloquialism that translates literally to "we're up to everything but mass" which is generally used to describe someone that prefers to occupy their time doing everything besides what they should; typically used to describe hoodlums, procrastinators, and overall lazy and/or individuals whose priorities are misaligned.  Although they may resemble those individuals at times, visual artists Christian Rodriguez and Devin Osorio reveal otherwise.  With the "mass" pun being very much intended, they present a reflection upon those they have lost, meditate upon the parameters of humanity, and extend their uses of space.  Presenting the paraphrase as a vehicle of curiosity and inclusion rather than judgment.  The artists touch upon cultural representation, self-preservation, their LatinX experience, ritualism, and grief through paintings on canvas, images printed on vinyl, framed photographs, and an interactive altar.

To further perpetuate the colloquialism, they have also organized the presentation space to be activated with educational activities.  With the help of NoMAA and the Dominican Writers Association, free workshops with limited seats are being offered and an artist-led panel discussion will be held in the space as a way to directly engage with the community.  Participants will have the ability to interact with the work in an intimate way and treat the space as more than a showcase but a visit to mass.  Art functions as the divine, the creators and workshop leaders as the clergy, and the participants as the practitioners.

Please RSVP for workshops via Eventbrite links on top of page.

Christian Rodriguez was born and raised in New York City by immigrants of the Dominican Republic.  His passion for photography led him to study at the Savannah College of Art and Design.  His photography work focuses on issues of immigration, cultural identity, and the Dominican diaspora.  Currently he is working on long term projects between DR and NYC.

thechristianrodriguez.com   /  @ichristianrodriguez

Devin Osorio grew up as a first-generation Dominican American in the northern Manhattan neighborhood of Washington Heights.  Osorio takes inspiration from Dominican culture and folkloric traditions, including a strong emphasis on textile patterns.  These cultural influences merge with biographical details from Osorio’s lived experience, yielding paintings that function as secular reliquaries, commemorating a life lived between cultures.

devinosorio.com   /  @devinosorio