Between Dream and Memory Opening November 11

By Jeremiah Reardon

Painting by Lorena Duca

Three talented Ecuadorian artists, Lorena Duca, Jane Hiltbrand and Luis Alberto Medina, will exhibit their art and photography at the EquinoX Gallery on Wednesday, November 11 at 6:00 p.m. The exhibit runs until December 8. Wine and snacks will be available at no charge.

Their collaborative show “Entre Sueño y Memoria (Between Dream and Memory)” will take place on the premises of Equinoxio at Calle Tarqui 9-61 and Gran Colombia. For the past two years Equinoxio has offered Spanish programs and cultural experiences in its grand colonial building centered around a sun-filled atrium.

Fluent in Spanish after a decade living in Colombia, Lorena Duca taught English as a Second Language in Oregon schools before settling in Cuenca. On November 1st, she completed twelve years of living in Ecuador, a dream that began five decades ago when she first visited and fell in love with the culture and the friendly Ecuadorian people.

Painting by Lorena Duca

Lorena has traveled and lived in many different countries and has found inspiration in the people and the places she has visited. She always travels with her sketch journal, and her drawings serve as inspiration for vibrant themes in her paintings. She also likes to explore magical cosmic realism, and the personification of animals.

Her paintings of vibrant colors humorously comment on the current scene in the Sierra, on Ecuador’s vibrant coast and abroad, both in the Holy Land and in Africa. The expressive figures captured in her paintings usually convey happiness but sometimes sadness.

Photo by Jane Hiltbrand

This exposition will feature a commissioned work, a six-foot representation of the Pase del Niño Viajero Christmas parade. She remarked, “It’s the largest painting that I’ve ever done and probably will ever do.”

Jane Hiltbrand worked in real estate in Santa Fe, New Mexico, before moving to Cuenca. She has won the Best Photographer GringoPost award for the last four years. Winning in 2024, Jane posted in response, “Ever since I moved here it has been my great pleasure to document this beautiful city and country, and the gracious Ecuadorian people. I am very happy to see that brings you joy as well.”

In February 2026 Jane exhibited her photography in “Mujeres de Cuenca, Fuerza y Belleza (Women of Cuenca, Strength and Beauty)” at the Casa de Las Posadas Cultural Center. The show resulted from her observation of everyday life in Cuenca. It brought together portraits of girls, young women, mothers, workers, artists and older adults. Describing her show Jane said, “This exhibit is a photographic series built over eight years about living together in Cuenca.”

Photo by Jane Hiltbrand

At the exhibition you can expect to see Jane’s studied photos of Cuenca. She has a website which is a feast for the eyes, entitled “A Guide to Cuenca Architecture.” In it she explores our UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Luis Alberto Medina of Quito trained as an architect before he transitioned into fine arts. A well-known exponent of magical realism, he has shown all over the world-United States, Canada, Mexico, Malaysia, Singapore, Spain and Switzerland. Luis paints canvases of nature and characters from Andean cultural heritage while taking inspiration from the indigenous families nestled in the Andean Mountains.

In August 2025 Luis exhibited here at Escuela Central with Cuenca ceramist Eduardo Segovia in their joint show “Busqueda y Encuentros (Search and Encounters).” You may have seen his solo exhibit earlier this year in April at the Cuenca gallery and restaurant, La Guarida.

Painting by Luis Alberto Medina

Luis is listed in the critical dictionary of Twentieth Century Visual Artists (2006) by Rodríguez Castelo. And this year the art professor received the Vicente Rocafuerte Medal for career achievements and contributions to the visual arts from Ecuador’s National Assembly.

And how does the maestro describe his art? “My dreams, my memories, my longings, my frustrations, my mistakes, my experiences, my hopes, my people, my town, my family. My very life, all of this is translated into textures, shapes and colors that cover the canvas as my skin covers my soul.”

Painting by Luis Alberto Medina

At the exhibition’s opening, Maestro Eduardo Segovia will be on hand to introduce to us the artists. So, come and toast three of Ecuador’s best artists at their “Entre Sueño y Memoria” opening! Don’t miss this opportunity to visit EquinoX Gallery for an evening of art and community. The show runs from November 11 through December 8.