Solo exhibit for artist Bustamante opens at Belmont

Immigrant artist showcases abstract sculptures

Andrés Bustamante, a sculptor born in Cali, Colombia, and based in Nashville, is the feature of a solo show at Belmont University Leu Center for the Arts through November. A solo exhibition of all new works, REFLEXIÓN opens to the public with an opening reception November 10 at 4 p.m., with a special speaking engagement with the artist at 6 p.m.

Informed by his immigrant experience at a young age, Bustamante’s sculptures are an abstract exploration of and inquiry into human struggle and the emotional landscape of experience.

The meticulous, difficult and often dangerous process of manipulating polycarbonate through heat and force is emblematic of Bustamante’s quest for meaning through hardship, and the ability of the artist to transform any experience into a thing of beauty. For Bustamante, this is the source of art’s ability to heal, a concept he delves into on both a spiritual and physical level.

Taking this exploration one step beyond visual witness, Bustamante has in these recent works incorporated audio accompaniments, utilizing two different techniques: VibroAcoustic Therapy Technology and BrainTap technology. These therapeutic technologies, which are thought to create emotionally healing brain waves through sound, vibration, and light, will allow attendees the opportunity to not only see Bustamante’s sculptures, but hear them.

“I have an unshakeable conviction that humanity heals and transforms through the power of creative expression,” said Bustamante in a release. “We are all creative beings seeking sources of inspiration. The word inspiration broken down is ‘in spirit’. The word ‘spirit’ derives from the word ‘breath,’ in Latin. Literally, breath gives life.”

Belmont University Leu Center For The Arts
Show runs through November 28, 2022. Artist talk November 10, 2022, at 6 p.m.