Don't paint artists with narrow brush

08/31/2002

By MERCEDES OLIVERA / The Dallas Morning News

Eli Rodriguez paints impressionistic landscapes with mountains in bold primary colors that remind him of summers in Mexico.

Viola Delgado creates brightly hued paintings that reflect her Mexican-American heritage.

Latino culture has influenced their respective paintings in similar ways, but the themes and styles they use differ greatly. Artists and experts say it's just a sign of how Latino artwork – in all its many forms – is flourishing in Dallas.

"The Latino talent that's out there is more diverse, more educated and more determined to succeed," said Maria Teresa G. Pedroche, head of family programs and community outreach at the Dallas Museum of Art.

She said that as Latino art evolves, it reflects the broader themes of other artistic endeavors.

"There's so much more in the arts that's being offered – in theater, dance, music and literature – that when you see all this, it's going to inspire your work," she said.

Whether it's considered "Latino art," works by Latinos are becoming more popular.

Mr. Rodriguez and Ms. Delgado say they increasingly sell more of their paintings to Dallas collectors.

Mr. Rodriguez, 37, said bold colors are healing and make people feel better about themselves and life. "Color is our culture," said Mr. Rodriguez, who recently opened a gallery in the West End Marketplace.

He credits summers in Mexico with his parents – visiting mercados and seeing bundles of bright fruits and vegetables – for his appreciation and use of colors. He is also inspired by commercially successful painter Thomas Kinkade.

That's one reason why Mr. Rodriguez says he doesn't label himself strictly as a "Latino artist."

Like many of his generation, the Latino label may not be as important or relevant as that of artist. He already has confronted the question that many Latino artists face as they grow professionally: Are you a Latino artist or are you an artist who happens to be Latino?

Ms. Delgado said her ethnic identity clearly shows up in her work. Her acrylic paintings feature strong colors and express pride about her culture, she said.

"My work was a reflection of being a Latina, of what I was familiar with," she said. Growing up as a Mexican-American in the 1960s in South Texas wasn't easy. The culture was often disregarded, and art was a way to fight back without words, she said.

Other Latino artists in Dallas are seeing their works grow in popularity.

Dallas artist Benito Huerta is among those being honored by the Dallas Center for Contemporary Art in September as part of the 2002 Legend Awards. A retrospective of his works will be displayed at the center through October.

Mr. Huerta has won public art commissions for Dallas Area Rapid Transit projects and is one of 25 artists selected to provide artwork for a new Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport terminal. His Latino roots and American background inspire his works.

Internationally known sculptor Jesus Bautista Moroles is scheduled to have an exhibit of his granite pieces at the Dallas Museum of Art in 2004. That same year, he'll also have two local exhibits, including one at the Trammell and Margaret Crow Collection of Asian Art.

Mr. Moroles, a Dallas native who now lives in Rockport, Texas, also will have an exhibition at the Latino Cultural Center when it opens in the fall of 2003. Much of his work in not Latino-themed, he said.

A mural-like work by artist Celia Muñoz will be included in the Latino Cultural Center. Her Latino-influenced works are in a touring exhibit that opens at University of Texas at Arlington gallery.

Dallas artist Eduardo Ruiz has opened his gallery, Avenue Arts Venue, near Fair Park. He not only displays his own works but also has a mix of art by other Hispanics and non-Latinos.

Whether it's Latino art or art by Latinos, some of the artists say, it's still contemporary American art.