Claudia Pretelin, New York City, 2016. © Image courtesy of Bryan Murray

Welcome to Instruments of Memory. My name is Claudia Pretelin, and I am pleased to introduce you to this platform. As a Mexican art historian, independent curator, and producer based in Los Angeles, I am dedicated to highlighting significant narratives through my work.

Since 2016, Instruments of Memory has served as a creative space focused on documenting and celebrating the contributions of women in the arts. Through conversations, curated exhibitions, and collaborative programs with community partners, I strive to illuminate the unique perspectives and experiences of creatives.

In addition to this work, I serve as a special features producer for Vinegar Syndrome, where I research and produce interviews that engage with the fields of film preservation and storytelling.

Please subscribe to the newsletter to receive updates on my latest projects. You can also visit the home page for additional information and explore the news section for details on my previous work.

Thanks for visiting!

NEW AND UPCOMING EXHIBITIONS!

Natura Naturata: Nature’s Action features the work of eight artists who explore their bond with the natural world through contemporary photography and video.
By means of the conceptual and visual decomposition of natural elements, this diverse body of work delves into themes related to our connection with the environment, as well as complex examinations of human impact on nature.

The concept of “nature” has changed over the course of human history, shifting from “natura naturata” (passive matter) to “natura naturans” (self-generating matter).
Since their introduction, photography and video have significantly influenced the discussions around our evolving understanding of the organic world, intersecting with fields such as biology, philosophy, and art.

Natura Naturata: Nature’s Action is curated by Claudia Pretelin.
Exhibiting artists include Luciana Abait, Laura Aguilar, Jackie Castillo, Maru García, Graciela Iturbide, Carolina Montejo, Tricia Rainwater, and Rosana Schoijett.

Our Landscapes Within is an exploration of identity through the lens of four contemporary women photographers. Each artist presents a unique perspective on the rich and diverse visual representations of the legacy of Afro-descendants across four distinct regions of Mexico. Through their work these photographers delve into the cultural heritage, traditions, and stories that shape the lives of these communities, inviting viewers to engage with and appreciate the profound connections between ancestry and contemporary identity in Mexico.

Curated by Claudia Pretelin. Cover image by Judith Romero.
Works by Koral Carballo, Carolina Fuentes, Judith Romero and Vanessa Quintero Castañeda

Printed and supported by Weldon Color Lab and The Unwrong Auction