An exhibit inspired by a local artist’s walk on El Camino de Santiago (The Way of St. James) in northwestern Spain is now on display at Avenue 50 Studio in Highland Park.
Raoul De la Sota, artist/curator and art teacher at Los Angeles City College, has produced more than 30 pieces of art for the exhibit based on his sensory experiences walking the 1,000-year-old pilgrims’ path ending at the grand Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, believed to be the final resting place of St. James the Apostle.
“Every day had a spiritual experience,” said De la Sota, of the walk he took with his wife on the Camino — 156 miles in August 2012, and the remaining 115 miles in fall 2013. “The whole exhibit is a sequential experience from beginning to end,” he said: Warm colors on the introductory artworks reflect the initially hot weather; cooler colors on the later pieces suggest the approach to the western coast.
For De la Sota, journeying along the Camino created a connection with God’s creation and pilgrims throughout history. “It’s the interconnection with your surroundings that walking on the Camino allows you to experience,” said the artist.
De la Sota will give an illustrated exhibit talk on May 31, 7 p.m., at the Avenue 50 Studio, 131 N. Avenue 50, Highland Park. The El Camino exhibit continues through June 8. Information: (323) 258-1435 or www.avenue50studio.org.
