Best Mexican Cultural Project: Loteria de La Malagua: Not only were we quite taken by this locally produced version of Mexico’s most traditional board game, we are thrilled to know that our recent article on La Malagua, the artist collective that produced it, has been instrumental in boosting its sales.
Best Large-Scale Installation: San Pancho Cultural Center: There are virtually no other spaces in the region where an installation such as Cuban artist Rafael Miranda San Juan’s “Sístole Perpetua” could have been successfully displayed.
Two New Malecon Sculptures Unveiled in 2008: Created by Ramiz Barquet, the
San Pascual Bailón sculpture was erected in the new Plaza de los Chefs in front of Vitea Restaurant.
“The Washer Woman” by Jim Demetro depicts the time-honored tradition of hand washing clothes in the river.
Five Influential Mexican Artists: Should you suddenly find yourself in the midst of a highbrow conversation about Mexican art, here are five names that may come up and the reasons why they might.
Loteria Mexicana: Growing up in Mexico without playing the game of Loteria is as inconceivable as growing up north of the border without dreaming of a trip to Disneyland.
José Guadalupe Posada: Beyond the Catrina: Digital photography is so ubiquitous among today’s photojournalists, it is quite possible many cannot fathom the notion of patiently waiting at the one-hour photo lab for their prints to be processed, let alone having to do the processing themselves in their own darkroom.
Reinterpreting Manuel Lepe: A much-deserved tribute to late Vallartan painter Manuel Lepe, created by Glass Gallery M owner Mariano Pérez Vivanco, has been installed at the entrance to Plaza Vallarta.
Michael Costantini - Thierry Blouet's Fine Art Collection: Originally from San Francisco, Michael Costantini has been living and creating art in Vallarta since 1995. "Voyages", his newest collection of works, was inspired serendipitously when he saw two small model boats in someone's yard as he was passing by.
Augustus Harper - Galería Sol y Luna: Up-and-coming Augustus Harper distinctly recalls the first painting he ever saw on public display. It was at the Los Angeles County Museum, where a David Hockney painting in which the artist had used another artist (Don Bacardi) as a model was being exhibited.
Israel Zzepda - Galleria Dante: Artist Israel Zzepda, a native of Guadalajara, Jalisco, has been painting for more than 20 years and has recently expanded his artistic energy to include sculpture, experimental photography and drawing. Zzepda was involved in art workshops during his childhood and after high school he joined a school of visual arts in Guadalajara where he developed a personal style that he defines into the symbolism.
David Leonardo - Galería Pacífico: Influenced at an early age by his parents, both artists, David Leonardo began painting as a child and had his first formal exhibitions in Mexico City prior to his 20th birthday, his early oeuvre abundant in surrealistic undertones. He was discovered early on and subsequently represented by legendary San Miguel de Allende gallery owner Josh Kligerman and has extensively exhibited his work throughout Mexico and abroad.
Bill White - Galería Pacífico: A native of Seattle, Washington, Bill White grew up drawing and painting. At the age of 12, his mother sent a portfolio to his idol Normal Rockwell and White was delighted to get a personal reply from Mr. Rockwell, which became a defining moment in his career and has proven to be a lifelong inspiration. White worked as a sign maker and graphic designer to make a living as an adult, but started taking art classes again at age 48 and subsequently relocated to Mexico.
Manuel Lepe Promotes the Rights of Children Once Again: Once again, UNICEF has selected a painting by deceased Puerto Vallarta artist Manuel Lepe to promote the rights of children, as it did in 1979 and 1984. This time the selected painting, titled La Procesión II, features children participating in the December pilgrimages to Our Lady of Guadalupe church. It will be included in a package of 10 greeting cards to be sold for $90 pesos, profits directed to supporting children in need in many countries.
Bucerias Art Walks Better Than Ever: With new galleries and numerous visiting artists from throughout North America, the third season of the Bucerias Art Walks promises to be exciting and full of surprises. (April 2)
Juana Cortez - Galleria Dante: The work of artist Juana Cortez represents the reality of the world she knew through her grandmother - a proud member of an indigenous group rich in culture and rituals. Originally from Apatzingan, Michoacan, Cortez began her journey in paint under the teachings of artist Oscar Solis, who as her mentor was the person instrumental in helping her to achieve images filled with intense color.
