FFWD Weekly
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The Latin American Connection
Calgary artist throws spotlight on Latino heritage
by Mark WaltonLatin Arte: Independence
El Tejar
Runs until September 20Let's face it. For most of us, Canada Day is an opportunity to catch up on a few Z's.
In Latin America, though, the various Independence Days celebrated at this time of year garner deep respect and symbolize an ongoing struggle against political oppression.
"Independence" is also the theme of a small group of paintings by five local artists at El Tejar Restaurante on Macleod Trail.
It's the most recent manifestation of Latin Arte, the brainchild of Hervert Sanchez, a 30-year-old painter/sculptor who has taken it upon himself to promote artists connected to the vast region encompassing Mexico, Central and South America.
"I'm trying to get away from exhibiting in places like community halls where they want to mix fine art with handicrafts or food displays," explains Sanchez. "I want to present everything more professionally."
Sanchez may have been unable to completely escape food at El Tejar, however, he says the restaurant is viewer-friendly. He notes that on opening night families were able to enjoy a meal while thoughtfully assessing the paintings.
Sanchez is currently completing a visual communications degree at ACAD and has studied art in Brazil and El Salvador, his country of birth. After moving to Canada six years ago he realized it was important to spread the word about Latin American art.
"It's an educational process for everybody. Many members of the Hispanic community, for instance, don't have a knowledge of the fine arts; so, for my people this is also a new experience."
Sanchez feels that younger Latino-Canadians - unduly influenced by TV and Hollywood - need to understand the traditions of their ancestors.
Traditions such as the rich heritage of folk art evident in Lucero Aristizabal's visceral tricolor abstract painting, "Symbols." According to Sanchez, the vibrant red, green and yellow wave-like forms represent the colors of the flag and natural surroundings of Aristizabal's Colombian homeland.
Sanchez estimates more than half of the Latin Americans who came to Canada did so for political reasons. He points to Jesus Nuñez's historical rendering of the United Fruit Company's economic entanglements in Guatemala. In a freely-brushed naif manner, the Chilean-born painter has pictured a mother and child laboring on a banana plantation -- the daughter fearful, the mother attempting to maintain her dignity.
Sanchez admits it could be a disadvantage for better known artists like Nuñez to exhibit alongside less-experienced artists such as Aristizabal, however, he insists the shows are meaningful for everyone.
If a painting sells, Sanchez, the restaurant and the artist all share in the profits.
So far, Latin Arte has put on five exhibits, but Sanchez is always searching for new venues. He is particularly looking forward to the group show Across Cultures being staged at City Hall, September 2 to 14.
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