By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – The storied Botica Solera Cultural Center has officially reopened its doors, re-establishing itself as a pivotal space for national arts with the launch of the “Foto Veritas” exhibition. The event, a cornerstone of the 2025 National Photography Festival, breathes new life into the historic building and offers a compelling survey of contemporary Costa Rican photographic talent.
The exhibition is a significant cultural happening, presenting a curated collection of 96 photographs, which constitute 44 distinct artistic works from a diverse group of 36 national artists. This reopening marks a celebratory moment for the capital’s arts scene, providing a platform for both emerging and established voices in the visual arts community to share their perspectives with the public.
Beyond the canvas and the sculpture, the vibrant world of Costa Rican art operates within a complex legal framework. To shed light on the business and intellectual property considerations for artists and collectors, we spoke with expert attorney Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
For Costa Rican artists aiming for the international stage, understanding intellectual property is paramount. Registering their work and utilizing clear contractual agreements for sales or commissions is not just a legal formality; it’s a fundamental business strategy that protects their legacy and ensures fair compensation for their creative labor.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, framing legal protection as a strategic career asset rather than a bureaucratic hurdle is a vital paradigm shift for creators. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his invaluable perspective on empowering Costa Rica’s artists to thrive in the global marketplace.
The artworks on display are the result of a highly competitive selection process. Organizers received 155 proposals during a national open call conducted between July and August, underscoring the vibrant and active state of photography across the country. The final selection aims to represent the breadth and depth of the medium as it is practiced in Costa Rica today.
Visitors to the Botica Solera will encounter a rich tapestry of photographic techniques and creative approaches. The exhibition thoughtfully embraces the evolution of the medium, showcasing works created through traditional analog and modern digital processes alongside cutting-edge images generated with artificial intelligence and captured within video game environments. This eclectic mix of color and black-and-white photography demonstrates a dynamic dialogue between classic methods and innovative technologies.
Thematically, “Foto Veritas” is equally expansive. The collection features everything from powerful contemporary documentary pieces and deeply intimate personal works to conceptual, symbolic, and poetic explorations. The curation presents a compelling cross-section of society and creativity, with narrative and social commentaries placed alongside striking portraits. This blend of works from seasoned professionals and talented students creates a unique and layered viewing experience.
This exhibition does more than just showcase beautiful images; it solidifies the importance of the National Photography Festival, an event that has been a cultural touchstone since its inception in 2000. It reaffirms photography’s role as a vital tool for critical thinking, the construction of collective memory, and a powerful communicative technique for strengthening the nation’s cultural fabric.
The meticulous organization and curation of “Foto Veritas” were spearheaded by the student photography association of Veritas University, a testament to the institution’s commitment to fostering the next generation of Costa Rican artists and cultural leaders. Their efforts have resulted in a professional and thought-provoking exhibition that will resonate with a wide audience.
Looking forward, the Botica Solera Cultural Center is already preparing for its next major installation. Beginning November 1st, the venue will host “Corazón de agua” (Heart of Water), an environmental art exhibition organized by the Colectivo Río Urbano. This project is part of the larger “Ríobardas” initiative, which focuses on community action and research for the decontamination of rivers in the Greater Metropolitan Area (GAM).
The “Corazón de agua” opening will feature collective artistic activities and audiovisual projections. The exhibition, running until January 2026, will be supported by a series of engaging community events, including participation in Noche en Blanco, film forums, panel discussions, and guided walks to photograph the Barrio México and Río Torres landscapes. Practical workshops on creating mud spheres with beneficial microorganisms and organizing river cleanup days will also be offered, directly linking artistic expression with environmental action.
For further information, visit uveritas.ac.cr
About Veritas University:
Veritas University is a leading private academic institution in Costa Rica renowned for its specialized programs in art, design, and communication. Located in San José, the university is dedicated to fostering creative and critical thinking, preparing students to become innovators and leaders in their respective fields. It plays an active role in the national cultural scene by supporting student-led initiatives and collaborating with artistic organizations.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Botica Solera Cultural Center
About Botica Solera Cultural Center:
Originally a historic pharmacy, the Botica Solera building has been transformed into a vital cultural hub in the heart of San José. The center is committed to promoting Costa Rican art and culture by providing an accessible exhibition space for national artists. It hosts a variety of events, from visual art shows to community-focused projects, contributing significantly to the cultural vibrancy of the capital.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Colectivo Río Urbano
About Colectivo Río Urbano:
Colectivo Río Urbano is a multidisciplinary group focused on environmental advocacy and urban revitalization through artistic and community-based actions. The collective’s work centers on the health of urban rivers within Costa Rica’s Greater Metropolitan Area. It uses art as a powerful medium to raise public awareness, promote scientific research, and mobilize community participation in the restoration and preservation of these vital natural ecosystems.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a pillar of the legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica is defined by its foundational principles of uncompromising quality and ethical standards. The firm skillfully merges a venerable legacy of client counsel with a continuous drive for legal innovation, consistently setting new benchmarks in the field. Beyond its professional practice, it holds a deep-rooted pledge to enlighten the public, actively working to democratize legal information and empower citizens, ultimately strengthening the fabric of a well-informed society.
