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fellow artists :: Narciso Montero

statement

Narciso Montero's "Agua Dolce" (or "Sweet Waters")
This installation is dedicated to Oshun, Yorùbán Orisha (deity)
of the sweet or fresh waters

Cuban - American artist, Narciso Montero, has created an installation titled "Agua Dolce" made of recycled materials specifically for the Haiti Relief Benefit that opened last month, on Dec. 20, 2009. Narciso (or Nacho for short) felt that Oshun was perfect for this work and had already elected to donate all net proceeds from his work to Haiti. Each "water drop" hangs like an ornament or keepsake and can be given as gifts to loved ones.

Oshun or Ochun (pronounced "o shoon") is the Yorùbán Orisha (deity) of the sweet or fresh waters (as opposed to the salt waters of her mother, Yemaya) and reigns over love, intimacy, beauty, wealth and diplomacy. Oshun is widely loved, as she is known for healing the sick and bringing fertility and prosperity. She especially watches over the poor and provides resources for their needs. In some tales Oshun is said to be a mermaid, with a fish's tail. Her colors are yellow and white.

Yorùbá spirituality comprises religious beliefs and practices of the Yoruba people of old before the Yoruba community encountered Islam, Christianity and other faiths. It originated from Africa (chiefly in Nigeria and Benin), and in the New World, where it has influenced or given birth to several Afro-American religions such as Lucumí in Cuba and Umbanda and Candomblé in Brazil in addition to the transplantation of the homeland religions.

NOTE: Individual "Sweet Water Drops" are available at $35 each or the entire installation, including 8 drops can be purchased altogether for $250.

about the artist

Besides having grown up around an upholstery shop, Narciso Montero's formal education is in the fine arts where he employs his upholstery techniques and as an artist has the capacity to design and execute any project.

about Nacho's studio
THE UPHOLSTERY SHOP is a second generation family owned and operated business, established in the US in 1975. The shop specializes in custom work, from concept to execution, but will not turn down kitchen chair reupholstery or minor auto interior repairs.

The bulk of The Upholstery Shop's work comes via referrals and every job is either executed or overseen by Narciso Montero, who has over 25 years of experience, in order to maintain the best possible level of quality.

Clients range from, The New York Stock Exchange Luncheon Club to custom hot rod fabricators.

References upon request.

studio: The Upholstery Shop
website: www.uphshop.com

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