Clothes: Minded and Repurposed Art Exhibition will build on her 2018 concept, highlighting fashion industry malpractices and sharing a variety of initiatives people can take to voice their support.
The exhibit will feature mixed media pieces centered on these concepts, including: two 10-foot sculptures, three 60 x 60 inch mixed media works, and seven 40 x 40 inch mixed media paintings.
“The art that I create is not just for viewing. It is for the audience to participate in and to be part of the artwork, allowing everyone who enters the doors to leave feeling empowered with a new sustainable activity to implement into their lifestyle,” Varela said. “All of my work is created through upcycled textile fabrics, acrylic paints, and various objects such as foam core and plastics. I create large-scale artwork to amplify the amount of textile waste that goes to our landfills, and utilize vibrant colors to represent the destruction of the fashion industry, including land degradation, toxic chemicals entering waterways, ocean pollution, erosion, and fires.”
Varela’s main inspiration for the exhibit is her personal experience. She takes this space and opportunity to turn her pain, shame, and guilt into a powerful learning tool for others to help them transform and heal – which, in turn, heals our planet.