There is a new space for the arts in downtown Madison, and work by a UW–Madison art student and a recent alumnus was featured in its inaugural exhibit.
The exhibit, titled “The Burden of Reality,” showcased the art of Paulina Eguino and Tony Torres. Eguino is a BFA student in the School of Education’s Art Department, and Torres recently graduated with his BFA in spring 2021.
The new space, called Forma, ajoins the upscale pub 107 State in Madison. 107 State Chef and Owner Nathan D. Mergen teamed up with curator/artist Adam Villegas to conceive Forma as a private event space and “urban art gallery” designed to offer a classic Italian dining experience in an urban cultural environment.
“The Burdens of Reality” was open through May 31, and included 16 collaborative works — six pieces by Eguino and nine by Torres.
After Eguino and Torres had their paintings installed, they did drawings, paintings, and screen printing on the wall to incorporate their pieces into the space, explained Villegas in a Wisconsin State Journal article about the exhibit.
The exhibit included sculpture, neon, printmaking, and painting “reflecting on the constantly changing world and space we exist in,” Eguino said, quoting from the exhibition statement. “Through sharing stories of struggle and conflict, we offer a space for others to connect and relate.”
Torres said the reception from the public was “incredible,” and the two sold several of their pieces during the opening reception, according to the Badger Herald.
Learn more about Forma — and Eguino and Torres’ work — in this Channel 3000 news segment.