Chilean Fiber Artists Share Stories of Life Under the Pinochet Dictatorship
by Suzanne Kachmar
City Lights Gallery in Bridgeport, Connecticut, presents “My Stories”, a powerful exhibit reflecting on the 1973 coup d’état in Chile that brought Augusto Pinochet to power and the enduring impact of the dictatorship that followed. The exhibit features fiber and textile works by Chilean artists who channel personal and collective histories into poignant artistic expressions.
on the cover : Turandot, textile collage by Carlos Biernnay – you can read about Biennay in our print issue no. VI
Exhibit Details:
- Location: City Lights Gallery, 265 Golden Hill Street, Bridgeport, CT
- Website: bridgeportarttrail.org
This exhibit is part of the 16th Annual Bridgeport Art Trail, a city-wide celebration of the arts featuring over 200 artists and organizations
About the Exhibit:
I am proud to present “My Stories,” an exhibit I produced in collaboration with Chilean artist Carlos Biernnay, who has lived and created art in Bridgeport for years, and Paola Figueroa Perez, curator of TP Gallery in Quillota, Chile. Sponsored by CT Humanities, this exhibit brings together important personal narratives and universal themes through fiber art and mixed media.
The exhibiting artists include Marcia Saavedra Abarca, Elizabeth Morales Agoni, Paola Valencia Alvarez, Cynthia Araya Davalo, Lorena Figueroa Lara, Rubí Perez Lizana, Esperanza Silva Lopez, Nataly Herrera Martinez, Patricia Aguilar Mieres, Denisse Quijada Pizarro, Mabel Pozo Santibañez, Loreto Silva, Carlos Bautista Biernnay, Paola Figueroa Perez, Liila Knakalova, Paola Honores Alvarez, and Antonella Auda.
Accompanying the artwork are informative panels in both English and Spanish, written by Chilean historian Pablo Montero, which provide deeper insight into the context of the dictatorship. To further engage visitors, QR codes allow them to hear and see the artists discuss their work, offering an intimate understanding of the emotions and histories embedded in each piece.
I am also thrilled to include a video montage created by award-winning filmmaker Josue Orellana, which contextualizes the historical and personal narratives depicted in the exhibit, providing an immersive experience for attendees.
Art as Catharsis and Resistance:
The artists explore the cathartic power of art as a means of processing trauma, fostering connection, and addressing painful histories. For many, discussing the Pinochet era is therapeutic, not only for personal healing but to ensure that history is not forgotten or repeated.
Chilean artist Carlos Biernnay, who was a child during the dictatorship, uses his art to cope with the memories of military oppression and violence. His macabre yet beautiful works, such as his quilt “Turandot,” capture the surreal brutality of unchecked power and its impact on society. Biernnay recalls harrowing experiences from his youth, such as the night Chilean police raided his family’s home and mistakenly detained his grandfather, leaving behind a shattered Christmas Eve dinner table and a sense of perpetual fear.
His artwork reflects these personal memories, as well as broader themes of violence, loss, and resilience. A frequent participant in international art events, Biernnay has exhibited in Venice, Miami, and Portugal, and is currently working on a large commission for the Bridgeport Public Library.
Turandot, textile collage by Carlos Biernnay
Chinchorro & Small Crucifixion, mixed media by Paola Figurera Perez
Two Tragedies, One Date:
Biernnay’s work often draws parallels between the coup in Chile on September 11, 1973, and the 9/11 terrorist attacks in 2001. His piece “Twin Towers,” created for the 20th anniversary of 9/11, explores the universal questions of humanity, violence, and power. Viewers of Biernnay’s work frequently express surprise at the shared date of these tragedies, sparking conversations about the cyclical nature of violence and the role of art in healing and understanding.
Through “My Stories,” visitors will engage with the raw, emotional power of fiber art, learning about the resilience of those who lived under dictatorship and the role of art as a platform for justice, remembrance, and change. In bridging personal narratives with universal themes, the exhibit underscores the importance of protecting freedoms and honoring the lessons of history.
Carlos Biernnay and Paola Figueroa Perez
