Photo by Igal Permuth

“An artist should get close to his identity and work on it so that the work is honest.” Igal Permuth

Talking about Igal Permuth is seeing the present, studying the past and planning the future with the strong identity that accompanies him: the roots of his family history, his guatemalticidad (innate Guatemalan self) and his love and respect for art.

Within his very versatile life, we can find the professional lawyer and notary, the member of the Guatemalan Chamber of Tourism, the television producer, the researcher, the host of regional art in the visual arts – the list does not end. As well, Igal is “An Artist,” “A Catcher of Images,” “A Transformer of Images.”

He has developed his extensive career through the formal study of photography, history and research of art, and has had numerous exhibitions in major galleries as he has been chosen to represent Guatemala in Mexico, the United States and Russia.

“La Feria” (The Fair) in Foto30

La Feria is the sample Igal presents within the framework of Foto30. This artistic project is Guatemala’s eighth celebration of photography, and for a period of 30 days will fill dozens of cultural centers, galleries, and historic centers of the country with artists, workshops and exhibitors of photography. “Family” was the proposed theme for this year. Igal, who has participated in this festival, thinks, “The choice of a theme for the development of a series of work is a challenge because, precisely that, the artist works within an idea or concept.”

His proposed selection is something he began working on a few years ago when he visited several ferias that impressed him for their explosive and colorful visual environment. Later, this work fit perfectly with the concept of “Family.” He explains that his theme revolves around the family reunion. “People holding a fair day that is celebrated with family, their spouses and children. Also attending are lovers, and of course, single people who are looking for a partner, and groups of friends having fun with colored lights and loud noises.” The feria is a place where many things converge: human relations in a party atmosphere, the Guatemalan identity, moments of encounter that can be positive or can be “very misleading,” double standards, etc. This is represented with the colorful elements of the feria, the carousel turns, the number of malicious clowns adorning mysterious games. “The piñata* is ready to be beaten.”

But besides the concept, which he worked with closely, one of the most interesting things we can appreciate is the technique he uses and used for this sample known as “photo intervened.” A series of six leaflets, which places the photograph on various backings and applies the technique of watercolor and pastel pencil, making the piece unique, full of color, handcrafted. “A feria” complete in concept and technique.

Igal also speaks of his future artistic projects; he wants to make one more editorial piece to complete a trilogy of written and graphic books, which he has worked on with Guatemalan authors such as Javier Payeras, Luz Méndez de la Vega and Rosa Pérez. The published books are Family Portrait and Tarzán López.

Finally, Igal advises emerging artists to look for their identity so their work can flow, to devote the necessary time, to work on a concept, to be committed and show respect for their work and for people who appreciate it.

If you wish to visit the exhibition La Feria by Igal Permuth for Foto30, it will be presented on September 8 at 5 PM in Galería Panza Verde (Map L4). For more information, please contact the gallery at 7832-2925.