Opening Reception: Saturday, September 14, 7-10PM
Exhibition Dates: September 14 – October 5, 2019
Closing Gathering: Saturday, October 5, 2-4PM

Statement:
“Tlapohualiztli ipan amatl” means “Stories on paper” are new illustrations and other works I have created on paper. The exhibition will feature over a dozen various sized illustrations on different types of paper, some machine milled other hand made from Oaxaca. It was important for me to use one of the oldest substrates made my our species while applying traditional and modern methods of illustrating.

I have captured many stories of historical figures in surreal surroundings, current day warriors and their struggles, homeless encampments from my own neighborhood along with some of their stories, are just a few of what I was able to put down on paper. I have always loved the style of comic book and cartoon illustrations such as Frank Miller, Frazetta, Steve Ditko along with many others but also appreciate the technical drawings of some of the masters like DaVinci, Vesalius and Goya. Artists like these have inspired me to create but other people such as Pablo Freire, Malcolm X, Cesar E. Chavez have motivated me to work with my community and give back not only as an artist but as a person who can make a difference for the next seven generations. Those are some reasons the subject matter in my artwork can have a wide range whether Social Justice, Comical, Cultural and even real “urbanism” being that I was a graffiti artist from East L.A. for most of my teenage years. This exhibit features that and so much more.

It is important to master a technique as an artist but once you feel like you’ve mastered something is that the end of learning any further? I believe you never stop learning and I am always trying to adapt new illustrating methods into my artwork. I hope this exhibit conveys some of that growth yet still keeping true to what I believe is my unique and distinct illustration style. I thank you for being a continued supporter of my art and hope that my stories can take you away from this world even if for a brief moment.

Tlazocamati,

Ernesto Vazquez