Painting to discover and name the things that have no name…
Jean Gabriel Lambert Recent Works at Galleria Dante We talked with the artists before he left to prepare his upcoming solo show in Toronto, Canada
The art works of Oscar Solis and Juana Cortez are exhibited at Galleria Dante, one of the largest and most important galleries in town. Oscar and Juana make up a remarkable couple of artists. They come from the state of Michoacán and their paintings are of striking realism, in them, the artists reach out to touch the vital force that lies within their characters.
From a young age, Oscar Solis was drawn to art, thanks to his aunt, who painted and earned his mom’s admiration. “Maybe at first I was seeking my mom’s attention too”, he said in a recent interview. Soon he decided he would be a full-time artist, “and art became a sort of priesthood to me”. However, as he became more mature he realized he was keeping somewhat distant from his loved ones, his wife and children. He then turned to his immediate reality, thus his approach to art transformed too.
Juana Cortez did not think of art as a career, despite the fact that she dreamed of painting as a young girl. “We had no references to art in our home town” she says; “I never met an artist until I met Oscar at 16”. They became boyfriend and girlfriend at 17 and have been together ever since and endured highs and lows and changes of direction in a career that has caused them to grow stronger as a couple and affirmed their passionate calling to art.
“From the beginning I knew she was talented” -says Oscar. “Once she drew a portrait of a friend of mine with a few simple, agile lines. When I saw it I said ‘that’s George!’ He actually looked better than in real life.”
Juana started painting by helping Oscar, but soon developed a career of her own. Being a married couple, it is only natural that they would work together, as in fact they have. Several years ago they painted murals in the City Hall and the military headquarters in their home town. Likewise, it would be expected that they would share a style of painting; however and in spite of all that ties them together, as artists they each have their own identity. Juana’s exquisite paintings, mainly portraits of Mexican indigenous women, have soft, smooth textures and a masterful handling of light that invest their characters with a serene dignity.
In Oscar’s works, various themes are found, from still life to horses and portraits, in passionate brushstrokes and an intense palette that reveal the artist’s search to find, and name, that which lies beneath the exterior appearance. The act of creation is intensely experienced by the artist, who obtains his greatest reward when he feels he has captured that which is intangible and comes to life on canvas.
Up until last year, Oscar and Juana came to Puerto Vallarta for a few days at a time, to present their paintings, but this year they decided they will remain in town for at least five months. Thus they join the select group of artists that gravitate toward this important art center.
Oscar Solis and Juana Cortez’s paintings can be viewed at Galleria Dante. During the days from December 21, 22 and 23, they will be painting live in the garden of the gallery from 10. a.m. to 2 p.m. It is a great opportunity to meet and talk with the artists in their “natural environment”
Galería Dante está en Basilio Badillo 269, Zona Romántica. Tel. 222 2477 www.galleriadante.com