A new painting, another exhibition, a different venue...

NCWCA presents

THE WILD SIDE

The opening reception takes place

this Saturday, June 18th from 7-9pm

(Masks required)

The Wild One is an inspiring title. Whether to be one or act like one is a bold adventure into one's unknowingness.

My painting's title in this exhibition is Doblando la Realidad, Después de la Pandemia or Bending the Reality, After the Pandemic. This was done during those long, drawn-out days of Covid. The abysmal political climate and the imminent fires that created orange skies were not only dystopian but seemingly endless. And so, I created this surreal painting to feel transformed and transported into a better unknown. While working on a series of paintings to respond to Trump's ignorance when he was putting down Mexicans, this became part of the Chimera series.

When we put on a costume, we are transformed and transported into the unknown, unpredictable and magical instances of our undiscovered, wild, and untamed natures. Our imaginations take hold of our profound curiosities, taboos, and fears only to let them come out to play and act out. These paintings allowed my imagination to be adventurous by indulging and exaggerating what I experienced in our Mexican cultural festivities.

Our ancestors held the arts in high regard. I include various indigenous symbols from Mexico's past, turning these colorful compositions into narratives that reveal our history, myths, legends, and spiritual beliefs.

I'd like to think I am transcending time by taking us on a mystical journey. And, I wish to remind us of our ancient life practices by keeping our heritage alive on this side of the border.