ARTIST STATEMENT
This work is from the series “FREEDOM FOR SALE.”
In January 2010, I was invited to participate in a PianoForte event commemorating Franz Schubert — a Schubertiade. Inspired by his music, I explored the interplay of his cyclothymia on his compositions, the historical context of often-raided Schubertiades that led to arrests, and my own reflections on decaying symbols of freedom and the societal need for healing.
Vibrant watercolor backgrounds feature expanding mandalas — symbolizing the spiraling energy of Schubert’s melodies and the cyclical nature of his moods. These are brutally intersected by stark black ink images: a dollar sign, a homogenous row of suburban houses, a lone pine tree dwarfed by speeding cars — all representing the stifling materialism of society.
This clashing contrast aims to evoke a bittersweet reflection on the enduring power of art in the face of societal pressure, leaving the viewer with a sense of both sorrow for what is lost and a glimmer of hope for the resilience of the human spirit.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Beatriz E. Ledesma is a native of Buenos Aires, Argentina. She is a professional painter, writer, educator, and psychotherapist in solo practice based in Chicago, IL
Ledesma’s surrealist works explore the hidden landscapes of emotions and spirituality. Her paintings are rich with symbolic objects and vibrant hues, reflecting her Latin American heritage and acting as portals to the subconscious. Through this exploration of dreams and the unconscious. Ledesma invites viewers to embark on a personal journey of self-discovery, fostering a deeper connection with themselves and the world around. Ledesma’s interest for the practical applications of psychoanalysis and art for the purpose of healing and empowerment inspired her to obtain a Ph.D (ICSW/2009) focusing on the use of art-making in the clinical treatment of adults. She attended The School of the Art Institute of Chicago, where she graduated with an MAAT/MFA (1988). Ledesma is self employed @ Ledesma Studio Ltd. where she holds her art and clinical practice.
© Beatriz Ledesma