PRIMATIVE CODES
"12 x 24"
This work is dark but beautiful to me because in hindsight it looks like butterflies falling into a fire and a long limbed figure dancing below. But this was not the interpretation in mind.
It's about the loss of native language. Being part "Nuyorican", I grew up in and around the Latino culture and language but was too intimidated to speak it. My mother once told me that as a child in school a racist white teacher condemmed her for speaking Spanish and that she had to speak English or she would remain an "illiterate savage". I thought about all of those indigious peoples from around the world of the past and present who were and are forced to speak English so that Europeans could understand them in order for their fears and paranoia could be calmed. Don't ever let anyone tell you to "speak English" for their benefit. If our not talking about them, why should they care?, if your plotting, how will they know? If your talking to your countryperson, its a welcome repreeve. Language was created by God (i.e. tower of Bable) to make us different, that's the real point of being human.
800.00 US
RHYTHM OF THE UNIVERSE
"20 in. Circle
I'm not even sure if this is the proper name LOL, but it has something to do with music, beats, the rhythm of life. This piece took over 70 hours to complete and it's slightly uneven after of of that!. Every little slither of fabric was hand rolled like old fashion cigarettes, other pieces braided, cut, shaped and mounted with a mixture of fabric and Elmer's glue to ensure longevity. It was interesting working with a circle, I obviously wanted to do something different. As far as my inspiration, music; Good ol' fashion Nuyorican Salsa, House/club/dance, Jazz, some blues and R&B. Music is in my blood, I love to dance and listen to music while I work.
And to make a short statment about black & latino music. There is no such thing as "Jungle Music", I've heard this term used often even by minorities and unless you've been watching an old black and white film about Tarzan and the natives "drumming" to alert his arrival OR you have actually experienced a tribal celebration in the jungles of South America or what's left of the jungles in Africa, OR when Native Americans have their pow wows (and that's ALL drum (boom, boom, boom); don't make comments on subjects you know nothing about. Hip Hop/Rap, R&B, all ethnic/indigenous music has its roots in the drum, yes but it isn't "Jungle music". Get over your fear of the beat of your own heart.
1400.00 US
CONGO
"22 x 24"
This explosion of greenery is a lttle messy as I look at it in hindsight but, if you like it... I didn't really know what to do with the fabric until I figured out where my inspiration came from. It's dark, yet light. Sort of like the way a jungle is beneath the canopy of the trees. I was watching a program on Lowland Gorillas in Rowanda and was pained to see them struggling to survive. Poaching and human encroachment haven't left them much to eat and live. It makes you think about the cruelty and devestation humanity can inflict on the world. The greed, the bloodshed, for what? For power? It's insanity. This piece reflects that plight, it's angry and sad because you can't do much to truly make a difference. Sure governments send aide, compassionate humans volunteer but what can we do to save the planet, really.
850.00 US
AUTUMN BUTTERFLY
"16 x 18"
The truth is, I'm terrified of Butterflies, all bugs for that matter. I don't care how pretty. They get close, you see those horrible multi eyes, those legs, antenne, wings; I'm in the wind screaming! Other than that this painting was inspired by one of my favorite artist, Jackson Pollock. I was living in a two bedroom apartment and my bedroom was my studio. With the limited floor space I had I improvized by covering the bed and everything in plastic and drop clothes then blasting my radio to whatever Alternative rock music was playing and went for it.
You can see the fabric on the left, It's flight in chaos. The ideas was to create a metaphor for life. Mine, yours, whoever and translate that into a painting. The background, the "Splatter" is the everyday, all over the place, no rhyme, some reason but not in a straight, diciplined line. The "Butterflies" are the calm times, our refuge, the times when we are relaxing (who really has the time unless you make it) or whatever keeps us sane. The name of this speaks of transition and the Fall is the down time in our lives where we prepare for a new year. As we reminisce with friends and family and enjoy the company of others; our lives don't seem so crazy. Start to think about sharing, socializing, having fun and don't take life as a chore. It's good to see people having fun, babies laughing, and allof the moments and expierences that bring us joy. Ever watch America's funniest home videos? Its hilarious.
550.00 US
