Are You Really Here? Exhibit by Nahla Valdez

“Are You Really Here?” from Nahla Valdez is the third exhibition as part of Art Power Equity’s residency with J. Walcher Communications. Nahla brings an auteur’s approach to this performance art installation and leverages her background in set design, film and music video direction.

Born in San Diego, California to a transborder family, she developed identities on both sides of the U.S./Mexico border, calling both Tijuana and San Diego home. Inspired by music, art and dance from a young age, she studied ‘bellas artes’ in a mentorship program with artist Juan Valcarcel in Galicia, Spain then transitioned into filmmaking under Duane Gardella at San Diego City College.

“We moved houses a lot when I was growing up. I’ve never lived in a place longer than five years, so that reinforces my belief that we’re all products of our environment. My work uses all five senses to explore the different versions of ourselves we experience/perceive through travel and living and being,” said Valdez. “I want people to be able share a sensory experience that involves smell, taste and touch just as much as seeing and hearing…perhaps even more so.”

“Are You Really Here?” begins Saturday, August 21st. Doors open at 7 p.m., performance begins at 8 p.m.