He grew up in a house surrounded by interesting conversations and art. A watercolor by Hardy Wistuba in her grandfather's house depicting a spring landscape contrasting with the climate of Concepción aroused great interest in her. This followed up with visits to the El Caballo Verde art gallery with his father, where at the age of 24 he bought his first work.
For many years, this interest was little explored because a medical career left him little time and space to deepen his knowledge of art. In 2015, Jessica came to the Antenna Foundation through a friend. This experience allowed him to immerse himself in an environment full of artists, galleries, works and good friends.
1. How does your story begin with art?
Jessica: My story with art begins with a watercolor painting of Wistuba that my grandfather had in the 60's or 70's on the fireplace in his house in Concepción. I really liked that painting because, despite the fact that Concepción is a very humid and rainy city, the painting represented the beginning of spring. I always sat by the fireplace, looked at him and said to my grandfather: “When you die, this painting will be for me”, and that's how it was.
I was born in Concepción and studied at the Concepción College before entering the University of Concepción to study medicine. My father was a doctor and university professor, and my mother, a lawyer. I grew up in a family where there was a lot of talk about different topics because we didn't have a television, only a radio. My father bought art to decorate the house, with works by Altamirano, Rocca, Wistuba and Patricia Israel. He always accompanied him to the El Caballo Verde art gallery and the Casa del Arte, where there were murals and an impressive collection of Chilean and Latin American art. Although I was always linked to art, my approach was more one of distraction than deep study, probably because I was so focused on my medical career.
Finally, I became more interested in art when I bought my first work, “The Night Cueca” by Nemesio Antunez. I bought it at El Caballo Verde, and Nemesio allowed me to pay in installments for two years.
2. How did you get to Antenna?
Jessica: I came to Antenna through a friend who died, Josh, whom I loved dearly. He was a friend of Alfonso, one of the founders of Antenna. Through Ricardo Roa, my life partner and friend, I learned about the project. Ricardo decided to support Antenna from the beginning, when they had no office and worked in Alfonso's house. I decided to attend a meeting to see an exhibition and there I met Alfonso, La Cota and Eli, who received me very warmly.
I liked the enthusiasm and youth of the founders, as well as the idea of making art accessible to different people and cultural levels. Despite not having much knowledge about art, they taught me and I learned a lot over the years. The initial meetings were small and we became friends. People like Hernán Garfias, who generously opened his department for Antenna, were key to this process. What I value most about Antenna is that it allowed me to meet very interesting people and establish bonds of friendship and trust.
3. Can you tell us about your art collection?
Jessica: I couldn't say that I have a defined collection because I still lack the capacity and knowledge to establish a clear path. I like contemporary art, understanding the artist's reading and message, and having a creative process behind the work. I am also attracted to irony and humor in art, which is why I have works by artists such as Pancha Nuñez, Victor Castillo, Nia de Indias and Florencia Pozo. In addition, I like sculptures with ironic and surprising concepts.
4. What has motivated you to continue supporting Antenna for so long?
Jessica: I've been through different moments with Antenna, from intense love to periods of estrangement. Over the years, Antenna has allowed me to establish links with galleries and learn about the art world. Although I no longer need Antenna as much to attend exhibitions, I value the Foundation's effort, passion and commitment, as well as the opportunity to continue learning and seeing new things.
5. What do you expect from Antenna in the next ten years?
Jessica: I hope first to be alive to see those years, since everything changes and nothing is permanent. I would like the foundation to continue to grow and succeed in attracting young people, supporting emerging artists and giving them the opportunity to show their work internationally. It would be a dream to see Chilean artists exhibiting in different parts of the world thanks to the support of Antenna. I also hope that people who are important to me will continue to be part of this community.
