For International Women's Day, Galerie Old Chelsea is proud to present a photographic and documentary exhibition by Taimi Tovar. This initiative celebrates the presence of women in the arts, whether they are painters, musicians, architects, researchers, or cultural builders.

Born out of a shared desire to highlight the female creators who shape our cultural landscape, this exhibition is much more than a series of portraits. It is an intimate encounter with fourteen committed female artists from diverse backgrounds who share a passion for creation and expression. Through their perspectives, their stories, and their varied disciplines, these artists embody resilience, audacity, and feminine creative power.

This exhibition goes beyond simply taking portraits. It is also a series of interviews highlighting women artists from the Outaouais region. Through a series of portraits, Tovar explored the strength and growth of these exceptional women artists, each contributing in a unique way to the cultural richness of our community. It is a project that highlights women who embody inspiration through their role as artists. 

As Tovar explains, "My goal is to reveal not only their core values and interests, but also the fears and concerns that mark their path to success. These strong women are the faces of resilience and 

determination, and I would like to capture their essence with timeless beauty.  I chose to focus my lens on the women of Ottawa-Gatineau because I firmly believe in the strength of the local community. Each of these women represents a pillar of our region, contributing to its growth. Through “Rostros,” I want to highlight these incredible contributions and inspire other women to embrace their boldest dreams.”

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In this exhibition, Taimi Tovar explores the intimate stories of these women, seeking to capture the essence of their artistic resilience. Sitting in front of her camera, they reflect on two key words: resistance and growth. These reflections have shaped the images you will discover in this series. 

Each portrait is a window into the artist's soul, revealing the determination and passion that drives her. The faces captured against a black background symbolize both the darkness of the challenges they have faced and the bright light of their creativity that has persisted despite everything. “Rostros” celebrates the diversity of artistic expression and life journeys that characterize these talented women from Ottawa-Gatineau. May this exhibition be a source of inspiration for all, reminding us that art can be both an act of resistance and a powerful means of personal growth.