Curator Statement:
Forbidden by Ricardo Castro is an exhibition by a photographer whose visual language is deeply influenced by his career as an internationally distinguished Spanish dancer and choreographer. This Toronto series of photographs is a Canadian premiere of a limited edition artwork. The six photos were curated based on the idea that there is not clear definition between masculine and feminine, and that is for the observer to interpret.
Vera Kabo Tse, Curator, S’mad.
Ricardo Castro is amongst Spain’s most renowned flamenco artists with an artistic background spanning multiple disciplines. Ricardo Castro is Founder and Artistic Director of Compañía Suite Española Danza and Flamenco Vivo, he has toured internationally with his productions and has also been a member of the Spanish National Ballet. In addition, he has choreographed operatic works for world-renowned venues such as the Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow, the Mariinsky Theatre in Saint Petersburg, and the Stanislavski Theatre in Moscow.
Artist statement:
Through the dramatic interplay of light and shadow, “Prohibido/Forbidden” transforms personal history into universal truth. Each photograph draws on Spanish Golden Age painting techniques to capture moments of revelation – men in traditional feminine flamenco costumes emerge from darkness into light, challenging our perceptions of gender, tradition, and artistic expression.
The exhibition creates an immersive dialogue between static images and living art. As both photographer and dancer, I bring these frozen moments to life through scheduled performances, where the boundaries between past and present, photograph and movement, dissolve. Vintage costumes once worn by the legendary dancer Rosario take on new life, bridging decades of Spanish dance history with contemporary expression.
Vera Kabo Tse is an artist, curator, designer, and founder of the platform S’mad (Sustainable Market Art + Design) with ArtsBuild Ontario, now based in Toronto. She held prominent roles as an art consultant/ architectural designer internationally in New York, San Francisco, Paris, Hong Kong, Rome and has worked with prominent gallerists/ art dealers such as Gavin Brown, Jeffrey Deitch, and artists such as Urs Fischer in New York. She was recently recognized by Ontario Cultural Days for her curated art exhibition in 2025.
Produced by NP Entertainment
