2 Del Sudoeste/

Two From The Southwest

Cristina Cárdenas
Alfred J. Quiroz

Exhibition Dates:   November 20, 2004 - December 29, 2004

Artists' Reception, Saturday, November 20, 2004

The Avenue 50 Studio is pleased to announce an exhibition featuring the works of two Latino painters from the Southwest:   Cristina Cárdenas and Alfred J. Quiroz.   Our presentation of these two stylistically, and politically, different artists clashes with stereotypic Southwestern regional painting.   We proudly present Southwestern painters Cristina Cárdenas and Alfred J. Quiroz to our Los Angeles community.

From her classically trained roots in renaissance art, Cristina Cárdenas developed her approach to art following the tradition of the Mexican muralists.   Through her friendships with Arizona artists Luis Carlos Bernal, Alfred Quiroz and Luis Jimenez, Cárdenas began to tackle issues of a more political and personal nature using Amate paper as a vehicle to connection with the ancestors.   The Amate paper is made from the same Aztec recipe the Otomi Indians used for several centuries.   Her large-scale works on Amate paper reflect Cárdenas' desire to link earth to soul.  

"My current body of work is in recognition of the female protagonist.   These images are of women who are sensual and provocative, images that will stay in our minds, and be remembered as we give them a permanent voice."     --Cristina Cárdenas

Alfred Quiroz exams the world in a satirical in-your-face manner.   His commentary on U.S. culture uses a cartoonish approach with humor and wit as he lampoons corporations that we North Americans idolize.   Quiroz speaks specifically about identity and combines elements of Mexican and North American cultures.   His use of bright colors reflects a Mexican sensibility and his aggressive painting style and forms reflect the energy and frenzy of life on the border.

The "2 del Sudoeste/Two from the Southwest" painters break the stereotype of Southwestern art.

Cristina Cárdenas artist statement

Alfred J. Quiroz artist statement

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What:       "2 Del Sudoeste/Two From The Southwest" art reception

Where:     Avenue 50 Studio, 131 No. Avenue 50, L.A., CA   90042 (323) 258-1435

When:     Saturday, November 20, 2004 7-11 p.m.