XUL Gallery inaugura su sede física con "Eterno retorno"

On Saturday, July 4th, at noon, XUL Gallery officially opened its physical location in Alta Gracia. The inauguration was marked by the exhibition *Eterno retorno*, which brings together works from artists Noelia Farías, Matías Wonko, Verónica Jofré, and Gustavo Boffi. Additionally, a special selection in the back room features pieces by Valeria Volando and Octavia Russo. This marks a significant milestone for XUL Gallery, which has evolved over time since its inception during the pandemic.

The journey of XUL Gallery began in 2020 under the name XUL Arte y Vino, functioning as independent, self-managed projects combining art with wine tastings from wineries in Córdoba. Over time, this initial venture transformed into a more formal gallery space. Pablo Bisio, the gallery's director, recalls how XUL later moved to the Artis Gallery through an agreement involving three galleries—Artis, Tierra Arte Contemporáneo, and XUL itself. For a year, they held exhibitions at that location before expanding further, including participation in the Contemporary Art Market last year.

The theme of *Eterno retorno* reflects the gallery’s ability to adapt and remain resilient, characteristics that have defined its path as an independent cultural project. Curated jointly by Bisio and Christian Román, the exhibition draws parallels between creative gestures and natural cycles, emphasizing the power of a seed that emerges transformed after passing through darkness. This conceptual framework aligns with the gallery’s broader mission of fostering dialogue between artistic practices and the environment.

XUL Gallery maintains a clear curatorial approach focused on artworks rooted in specific territories. According to Bisio, the project emphasizes artists who possess distinct identities, particularly those working within figurative styles. The aesthetic profiles explored in the exhibition span diverse technical languages. Noelia Farías investigates constructed landscapes to question contemporary distances from nature. Meanwhile, Matías Wonko uses photography to explore private archives and voyeuristic perspectives on corporeality and eroticism. Verónica Jofré’s canvases present dreamlike terrains that challenge traditional notions of portraiture and landscape. Gustavo Boffi’s sculptural pieces, made from corrugated cardboard, highlight a meticulous blend of technological processes and artisanal craftsmanship applied to everyday scenes.

The backroom section complements the main exhibition with textile works, woodcut prints, and embroidery by Valeria Volando, connected to ancestral knowledge, alongside paintings by Octavia Russo that focus on the ambiguity between animal and human forms. These additions enrich the overall narrative of the exhibition, offering viewers a multifaceted experience that spans both visual and tactile dimensions.

The opening of XUL Gallery in Alta Gracia signifies a new chapter for the institution, reflecting its evolution from a pandemic-era initiative into a recognized cultural entity. The choice of location underscores a commitment to engaging with local artistic communities while maintaining a broader international perspective. As the gallery continues to develop, it aims to foster deeper connections between regional artists and global audiences, reinforcing its role as a dynamic platform for contemporary art.

The exhibition *Eterno retorno* sets the stage for future endeavors, with expectations that XUL Gallery will continue to push boundaries in curatorial practice and artistic collaboration. Future exhibitions may build upon the themes introduced here, exploring further intersections between nature, technology, and tradition. With each new project, the gallery seeks to reinforce its identity as a space that values innovation, resilience, and the enduring power of artistic expression.