Evoca1 (aka Elio Mercado)
’Sanctuary’
JULY 17, 2021 – AUGUST 7, 2021
Opening Night June 17th | Saturday, 6PM- 9PM
Thinkspace Projects is thrilled to present Evoca1’s debut west coast solo show. ‘Sanctuary’ is a series that embodies Evoca1’s agenda to merge art and humanity into a single creation. With photorealistic works that have a delicate quality, he effortlessly conveys the nuances of human life, creating scenes of human life and emotion.
‘Sanctuary’ transports us to a future where a group of children navigate a desolate earth, armed with their open minds, a love of nature, and a yearning for community.
“After mankind has ravaged the earth, Sanctuary follows this group of kids from different backgrounds who in their search for refuge, have found it in each other.”
In this collection of work, Evoca1 (aka Elio Mercado) has not only created a landscape, but also a group of characters, through whom we get to explore our own relationships with the earth and with each other. While there are visual elements that give these pieces a certain softness, Evoca1’s work is not timid, but rather confronts viewers with their own humanity.
‘Sanctuary’ opens July 17, 2021 with a reception from 6PM to 9PM. On view until August 7, 2021 at Thinkspace Projects.
About Evoca1 (aka Elio Mercado)
Dominican born figurative painter and muralist based out of South Florida. Born in the Dominican Republic, where he spent most of his childhood drawing on walls and playing baseball, until eventually moving to Hollywood, Florida at age 11. As an autodidact, he has received his art education from the compulsive study of the old masters works and techniques. His works are a personal reflection on life as well as from observation, focusing on human behaviors and social struggles. He is currently living and working out of South Florida, where he continues to develop his craft.
Artist Statement
Imagine a world where only the young would roam free, where life was as simple as you and me.
No need to carry a chip because of the color of our skin, our status or religion.
The more of us the better.
The storm came with its wrath, and it took with it the tired old past. Its foundation wasn’t built to last.
Imagine a world where only the young would thrive, where nature embraces those who seek its refuge.
Where we could walk amongst the trees, the birds and the animals were no longer afraid.
Imagine a place where we were all welcomed.
After mankind has ravaged the earth, Sanctuary follows this group of kids from different backgrounds who in their search for refuge, have found it in each other.