Connecting The Americas Through Art | Magis Puppy Gala
We connected with the lucky buyer who bid the highest for Christian Riffel’s artfully designed and one-of-a-kind Herman Miller puppy at the annual Maggis Puppy Gala in Washington D.C.
Karen, thanks for taking some time to answer a few questions for our readers.
When you arrived at the Gala and spotted Christian Riffel’s intervention piece, did the artist’s South American roots inspire you to choose his piece?
It did and it didn’t. From the moment we entered the room in the event (my husband and I), we saw the piece from a distance and it called our attention immediately. Something about the juxtaposition of the Magis Puppy curves, the geometry, and the colors made us fall in love! When I approached it and was able to read about the artist, my interest multiplied.
Even though we’ve lived and worked in the US for 8 years now, the connection I have with South America (where I was born and raised) has always been and will continue to be part of my identity. To see that the piece was created by someone “close to home” created even a bigger connection with Chris’ design of the Magis Puppy.
Do you think that art can be a bridge to connect the Americas? Why or why not?
Definitely. North America and Latin America are weaved together (by their history, politics, migrations, etc). I think that sometimes these relationships can be complicated, but art can work as an instrument that helps those connections.
Do you think art can change the world?
Of course! As an interior designer, I’m frequently exposed to the use of art in internal spaces and to the positive impact that it gives to the ones exposed to it. It’s often thought of as decorative, but my experience with it goes further. For me, art offers a universal language. It allows us to express ideas, feelings, and reflections, without using words. It has also been a pioneer of social changes throughout history.
After reading Chris’ biography, his process, and The Positive Force Teams’ manifesto, if you could support a future project where Chris is invited, what kind of collaboration would you like to see him doing?
There’s something about Chris' work with murals that I think is very special. If I could choose, it would be something related to an installation in a public space. One that anyone (regardless of their background) can have access to and enjoy.
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Interview & Translation:
Rocío Aguayo | Social Impact Producer | The Positive Force Team
