The gallery is welcoming Truman State University’s new painting professor, Ricardo Quiñónez Alemán, by hosting his exhibition Within My Borders.
“I think coming in with an exhibition is great,” said Quiñónez. “It gives the students the opportunity to get to know me as an artist, not just their teacher.”
Before coming to Truman, Quiñónez spent two years conducting observational research at the southern border dividing El Paso, Texas from Ciudad Jáurez, Mexico. Quiñónez is from Ciudad Jáurez, and wanted to go back to his roots after spending many years living and teaching in the Midwest. He spent this time at the border researching the conflicts people face at the line dividing the two nations.
“It is a study of the problematic social events that happen on the south borders relating to politics, immigration, and religion,” said Quiñónez about Within My Borders.
Quiñónez uses painting as his mode of storytelling. He said he uses a process of underpainting and glazing from the 16th and 17th centuries. He calls his work a constant experimentation and makes modifications by applying new techniques in background lighting, layering, paint thickness, and sizing. Quiñónez loves working with a paintbrush has been inspired my many artists over the years.
“Some of my inspirations include Michelangelo, Leonardo Da Vinci, Frida Kahlo, and many more,” said Quiñónez. “It is possible to see other people’s influences in my work because I admire many artists.”
Within My Borders will be on display in the main gallery form January 21 – February 26. An opening reception with refreshments will be held in the gallery on Tuesday, January 26 at 6:00 p.m. The gallery is free and open to the public.
By Anna Lang
TSU Art Gallery Blog 