IGNACIO ITURRIA x ARTSY

Invited by ARTSY, this great initiative's goal is to create content with artists highlighting how they are enduring this unique situation, bringing their voi...

How does art keep you going during difficult times? 

Art has kept me present. To me, nothing has changed. For me, painting is isolation in a way, and it's what i have done all my life. Now that I see the current situation, I realized I've been in isolation all my life. When I've travel, I lock myself up and paint; it's what I've always done. So, present times have not altered my pictorial rhythm.

How has your art practice been affected by self-isolation?

Same answer as the first, this self isolation is what I've always practiced and even recommended. To me, It is a way to learn to be with yourself, always thinking that what you're doing is a discourse for others, and is a way of living without the anxieties of rapid communication. It's a communication where one can practice and reflect on the discourse before expressing it to others.

How are you staying creative?

Well, the same way. I sleep, I paint, I sleep, I paint. I don't see anything too weird about it. The weird thing of these times is the appearance of a virus; the one I find more relevant the one virus germinated on TV. The TV is virulent, It's the most contagious of all. In any idle moment I turn on the TV there is always these images that slowly burn into my retinae, and then in my conscious and my subconscious, and little by little these will find their way into my painting. Some elements have surfaced already, but it's important to digest all of what is happening well at first, and then we'll see how it reemerges in what we are doing. 

Are you creating new work while social distancing?

Actually, I keep doing the works I was doing. The present times have done some sort of parenthesis; people are not as eagerly calling to the galleries, no rush from museums, nor agitation from art-fairs... everything has slowed down. So, my artists friends and I are in a strange position: All this nervousness and adrenaline evaporated. I just spoke to a friend of mine who was about to exhibit in Washington (and who is really sad it is not longer happening) , whereas I am celebrating not having to enter the voragine and nervousness of the exhibitions I had planned this year. All the preparations, flights, being there... all those things that are not my favourite part of painting. Now I am enjoying quietly like a child who has the justification not to go to school.

Ignacio Iturria Untitled, 2019 Acrylic on canvas 39 2/5 × 51 1/5 in 100 × 130 cm

Ignacio Iturria
Untitled, 2019
Acrylic on canvas
39 2/5 × 51 1/5 in
100 × 130 cm

Who are some other artists you are moved by right now? 

There are artists that always touch me, I can't see why it has to be in his precise moment. I haven't spoken with many of them, I don't know the situation they are in. Well,
I am touched by art in general, almost anyone who paints and specially by people who have been painting for longer than 10 years; one can sense the seriousness of what they are doing and whose work always gives us something to dwell on, to be touched by. Even the person who even trying to do it well hasn't found a message or something interesting is touching, because there is a sort of drama that is also valid and interesting. 
 

How are you staying in touch with your community or supporting other artists?

In the Iturria Foundation there is an art school with several teachers who keep teaching remotely online, and at some point I will be there too. I have also been asked by the Chancellery to send messages, which is not what I planned to do (because I haven't found my way around it) but regardless of my slow pace I will do it in the future.
 

What work of art in your home means the most to you?

I have a painting by Carlos Federico Saez, a very important painter in Uruguay, a virtuoso who died too young. By familial coincidence, I inherited the small painting, a landscape of Florence from the time he was living in Italy. After that, there's a painting of mine, a gigantic Willow plate in the dining room (that the family says we can't sell) which is about 2 meters by 1.3 meters and is already one with the space, a part of all the pictures of family gatherings.

Ignacio Iturria El Lobo, 2017 Acrylic on canvas 72 × 68 in 182.9 × 172.7 cm

Ignacio Iturria
El Lobo, 2017
Acrylic on canvas
72 × 68 in
182.9 × 172.7 cm

 

LUIS CRUZ AZACETA x ARTSY

1-Luis with _Crisis_ painting finished today 4_30_2020.png

How does art keep you going during difficult times?

Art is what always sustained me as a person & as an artist. We have ups & downs in life, economic difficulties, etc. Being a Cuban in exile, uprooted from my country were difficult times which made me adapt, persevere & have faith. To me, art keeps me grounded & engaged with reality.

How has your art practice been affected by self-isolation? In my case, to create art you have to be in isolation. I guess most artists are surrounded by 4 walls - isolation allows you to think, meditate & create ideas. This kind of isolation due to the virus which effects us all collectively in many ways besides being physically impacted we are also affected psychologically. Right now I have a series of paintings addressing the virus (covid19) like I did with the Aids epidemic (HIV) back in the ‘80s.

How are you staying creative?

For me, art is a necessity. I always stay creative - that’s why I make sure to have extra materials & art supplies on hand in my studio in case of a sudden event that may stop you form making art: you may not have the means to acquire the materials necessary - like at this moment. I’m never without materials. When I sell a work, part of the money goes towards materials. Might be a psychological factor for me--the importance of having supplies abundant at all times.

Luis Cruz Azaceta Floating Head, 2008 Acrylic, chacoal, shellac on canvas "94x95.5"

Are you creating new work while social distancing?

The galleries are the ones facing social distancing at this point.

Who are some other artists you are moved by right now?

For me the artist that always keeps me going is Picasso - his endless energy & passion. To me, the greatest humanist is Jose Clemente Orozco.

How are you staying in touch with your community or supporting other artists?

I’ve supported many artists by writing recommendations for grants. The young artists I try to encourage them to have perseverance, discipline & tenacity.

What work of art in your home means the most to you?

FLOATING HEAD, 2008 - is a painting that I’ve had in my living room for the past two years. Its a head (self-portrait) surrounded by the devastation of Hurricane Katrina. In New Orleans people suffered, lost their lives, homes, jobs & were displaced. This tragedy brings to mind the suffering within the horrific pandemic we’re experiencing now. The unexpected that shakes us to our core.

Luis Cruz Azaceta River Flow I, 2008 Acrylic, charcoal on canvas 98 × 95 1/2 in

Luis Cruz Azaceta Pandemic 3, 2020 Acrylic on canvas 72h x 96w in

Luis Cruz Azaceta Pandemic 3, 2020 Acrylic on canvas 72h x 96w in

 

ZONA MACO 2020 - Booth A122

Lyle O. Reitzel Contemporary Art Gallery has been invited to the 17th edition of the prestigious Latin American art fair Zona MACO Mexico 2020, presenting a solo show by renowned Cuban artist José Bedia. Zona MACO will present galleries from 26 countries representing the Americas, the Caribbean, Asia and Europe, starting February 5th to 9th at the Citibanamex Center. This event  will for the first time link four fairs simultaneously, bringing together Modern and Contemporary Art, Design, Photography and Antiques.

            In the words of José Bedia:

“It's flattering to be exhibiting in Mexico again within the Zona MACO. I have a cultural-affective bond with Mexico, firstly because of my studies, since I had the opportunity to visit the country for the first time (1986) and shortly after I lived there permanently (1990-1993). I feel indebted to Mexican culture and especially to its pre-Hispanic past and its living indigenous cultures. As far as possible, I continue to go to Mexico from time to time in order to assimilate these influences first-hand, which are a very important part of my own work. Returning to Mexico, for me, is an act of perpetual learning.”

José Bedia was a pioneer of the radical transformation of Cuban Art that inaugurated the Exhibition Volumen 1, in which he was an integral part of. His passion for the primal Amerindians complemented his anthropological studies on Afro-Transatlantic cultures, studying in depth the faith, beliefs and religion of the “La Regla Kongo” (in which he was initiated in 1983), the “ Regla de Ocha”, and the Leopard Society of Abakuas, among many others. His works are in very important private and Public collections such as Museo Nacional Palacio de Bellas Artes (La Habana),  MoMa (New York), Metropolitan Museum (New York), the Whitney Museum of American Art (NYC), Guggenheim (New York), Tate Modern (London), Smithsonian Museum (Washington), Museo de Arte Contemporáneo de Monterrey (MARCO), the Daros Collection (Zurich), MEIAC (Spain), DA2 (Spain), IVAM (Spain), CAAM (Spain),  MOCA (Los Angeles) and PAMM (Miami).

Lyle O. Reitzel Gallery participated in the beginnings of Zona MACO, then called MUESTRA 2’  in 2003, presenting a group show with José García Cordero and other up and coming caribbean artists.  Over the last 23 years the gallery has taken part in prestigious international fairs like FRIEZE(New York), ARCO(Madrid), VOLTA(New York), ArteBA(Buenos Aires), KIAF(Korea), PULSE(MIAMI), SCOPE(Miami/New York), Art Miami(Miami)

The galleries participating in Zona MACO are some of the most relevant in the world's capitals, such as La Caja Negra (Madrid), Enrique Guerrero (Mexico), Henrique Faria (New York), Kurimanzutto (Mexico), Galerie Lelong & Co. (New York), Lisson Gallery (London), Pace Gallery (New York), Ruth Benzacar (Buenos Aires), Galería Alfredo Ginocchio (Mexico) and La Cometa (Bogotá)

 

Tania Marmolejo x ARTSY

INVITED BY ARTSY, THIS GREAT INITIATIVE'S GOAL IS TO CREATE CONTENT WITH ARTISTS HIGHLIGHTING HOW THEY ARE ENDURING THIS UNIQUE SITUATION, BRINGING THEIR VOICES TO OUR COMMUNITY AND PROVIDING INSPIRATION FOR ALL.

INVITED BY ARTSY, THIS GREAT INITIATIVE'S GOAL IS TO CREATE CONTENT WITH ARTISTS HIGHLIGHTING HOW THEY ARE ENDURING THIS UNIQUE SITUATION, BRINGING THEIR VOICES TO OUR COMMUNITY AND PROVIDING INSPIRATION FOR ALL.

How does art keep you going during difficult times?

Art is the outlet that keeps me grounded. No matter how bad a situation gets- if I can physically create something, then I feel I still exist. I’m still ok.

How has your art practice been affected by self-isolation?

It is a continuation of my normal life, with stricter measures. A normal day for me is painting isolated in my studio. Now that isolation is forced- It makes me crave human contact and search for deeper human meaning.

How are you staying creative?

It is a no- choice situation for me. I am lucky to have found space in my mother’s house- where I have been in quarantine, and am lucky I had materials already waiting for me here. I am creating constantly.

Tania Marmolejo,  I Always Come Back Here, 2019oil on canvas 48 x 79in

Tania Marmolejo,
I Always Come Back Here, 2019

oil on canvas
48 x 79in

Are you creating new work while social distancing?

Yes! I am very inspired, creating in a frenzied state. I haven’t painted this much- in such an urgent way, in a long time. I feel there is a specific situation, that is global and human, and I’d like to document it. I don’t want to live through it without learning something.

Who are some other artists you are moved by right now?

I am moved by the art of Edvard Munch, Egon Schiele, and The German Expressionists. They lived through very hard times, the Spanish Flu is one- Munch survived and painted the experience, Schiele and Klimt for example did not survive. Munch is especially inspiring with his paintings of angst, sickness and human emotion. These artists have always inspired me for their very honest, raw art.

What work of art in your home means the most to you?

My Swedish Grandmother’s sketch book, from her young adult years. It is a mirror into my own soul, I have so much in common with her art yet never knew her. She has always inspired me.

Tania Marmolejo I'll stay right here, 2019 Oil on linen 42h x 50w in 106.68h x 127w cm

Tania Marmolejo
I'll stay right here, 2019

Oil on linen
42h x 50w in
106.68h x 127w cm

 

Opening Re-Fresh

Lyle O. Reitzel is pleased to announce the Group Exhibition “Re-Fresh”, opening Thursday August 15th featuring recent works by Gustavo Peña, Santiago Ydañez, Luis Cruz Azaceta, Edouard Duval-Carríe, Jose García Cordero, Gerard Ellis. The gallery has invited the artists Walkind Rodriguez (DR), Fernanda Brunet (MX), Pierre Monestier (FR), Melissa Mejía-Rizik and Fernando Varela for the exhibit.

Special thanks to the marvelous turnout that joined us for the opening!

EDOUARD DUVAL-CARRIÉ: FRIEZE N.Y 2019

Lyle O. Reitzel Gallery is honored by the invitation to participate with a solo show by laureate Haitian Master Edouard Duval-Carriè in the newest installment of Frieze N.Y., one of the most prestigious contemporary art fairs in the world, this May 2019. The exhibition displayed in the section Diálogos is curated by Patrick Charpenel in celebration of the 50th anniversary of El Museo Del Barrio.

Édouard Duval-Carrié My Life as a Tree, 2019 Mixed media on Aluminum (Back Lit) 81”x123”

Édouard Duval-Carrié My Life as a Tree, 2019 Mixed media on Aluminum (Back Lit) 81”x123”

Edouard Duval-Carrié is a contemporary artist and curator based in Miami, Florida. Born and raised in Haiti, at heart, Duval-Carrié is an educator: he challenges the viewer to make meaning of dense iconography derived from Caribbean history, politics, and religion. His mixed media works and installations present migrations and transformations, often human and spiritual. Duval Carrié fled the regime of “Papa Doc” Duvalier as a teenager and subsequently resided in locals as diverse as Puerto Rico, New York, Montreal, Paris, and Miami. Parallels thus emerge between the artist’s cosmopolitan lifestyle and his artistic sensitivity toward the multifaceted identities that form his native Haiti. His works have been exhibited in major museums, art institutions, and galleries in Africa, Europe, and the Americas.

In the last year, Duval-Carrié celebrated various milestones. Among many was the completion of his largest piece to date: The Saga Of the Baobab, a corten steel structure standing 40 ft tall and weighing more than twenty tons, graces the central atrium of the Musée des Civilisations Noires in Dakar, Senegal, whose government bestowed the artist with The Ordre National du Lion Chevalier. On the same year, he was awarded the first Ellie’s Michaels Richard Award by Art Center South Florida acknowledging the artist’s originality and creativity throughout the decades. After residing in Miami for over thirty years, EDC was chosen to receive this recognition alongside an important commission to The Bass Museum in Miami Beach.

For this curated section, the artist has created a self-portrait as a self-styled tree drawing from elements of his life. This waterjet-cut lit aluminum piece renders its roots floating and anchor-less. A series of drypoint on plexiglass attest to the artist pursuit of new techniques, as his portraits of challenged Soucouyants and Kings are constructed of bacterias and other microscopic entities.

Édouard Duval-Carrié Divine Soukouyout 2, 2019 Mixed media on aluminum 44h x 40w in

Édouard Duval-Carrié Divine Soukouyout 2, 2019 Mixed media on aluminum 44h x 40w in

The selection of new pieces to be exhibited in Diálogos portray Duval-Carrié’s exploration of themes such as silenced slavery and Haitian mythology. Characterized by their pristine aesthetics and meaningful storyline, their materiality and selective color palette captures the eye and highlight the message, while his hand etching and delicate placement of shapes and symbols create an ageless and abstract experience. Duval-Carrié’s work is and will remain to be admired and talked about through generations as well as diverse political climates.

Édouard Duval-Carrié Little Crippled Haiti, 2018 Engraving on Plexiglass in artist frame 40h x 40w in

Édouard Duval-Carrié Little Crippled Haiti, 2018 Engraving on Plexiglass in artist frame 40h x 40w in

LOR Gallery is the result of 24 years of hard work, successfully becoming a catalyst to the contemporary art scene in the Dominican Republic. By vicariously working with a selection of Dominican, Caribbean and Latin American artists they have placed the Dominican Republic in the artistic map. With the use of basic tools such as intuition, a critical eye and a particular taste that transcends fashion and tendencies, LOR Gallery discovers new talents while supporting the established ones in a multicultural atmosphere. Because of this, they have elevated artists, placing their pieces in private and institutions international collections.

Through 2006-2010 LOR Gallery established its presence in the international market opening a new space in Wynwood Art District. In June 2016 its branch in New York inaugurated with José García Cordero’s solo show titled “Tales From the Caribbean Nights”.

LOR Gallery has organized numerous exhibitions in museums, institutions, and galleries worldwide, including its participation in some of the most prestigious international art fairs such as ARCO, Madrid; VOLTA, New York; CONTEXT Art, Miami; Art Miami, CONTEXT New York, ARTE BA, Buenos Aires. PULSE Miami; SCOPE New York, SCOPE Miami’, ZONA MACO, México; MIART, Milano; KIAF, Korea, etc.

Frieze will take place through May 1-5, 2019 at Randall’s Island Park.

OPENING LOS BRAVÚ: E’TO TIGUERE TAN BIEN CHIVO’

Gracias a todos los que nos acompañaron en el memorable Opening de Los Bravú, presentando “E’to Tiguere Tan Bien Chivo'”, su primera exposición individual en Santo Domingo, abierta al público hasta el 30 de mayo, 2019.

La galería Lyle O. Reitzel Arte Contemporáneo se complace en presentar, por primera vez en República Dominicana a uno de sus más recientes descubrimientos artísticos, la propuesta emergente a cargo del fantástico dúo español Los Bravú en nuestro espacio de la Torre Piantini, Cortesía de La Bodega.


PRIVÉE: E’TO TIGUERE TAN BIEN CHIVO’

La galería Lyle O. Reitzel Arte Contemporáneo se complace en presentar, por primera vez en República Dominicana a uno de sus más recientes descubrimientos artísticos, la propuesta emergente a cargo del fantástico dúo español Los Bravú en nuestro espacio de la Torre Piantini, Cortesía de La Bodega.

Gracias a todos los que nos acompañaron en el memorable Privée de Los Bravú, presentando ” E’to Tiguere Tan Bien Chivo’ “, su primera exposición individual en Santo Domingo, abierta al público hasta el 30 de mayo, 2019.

LOS BRAVÚ: “E’TO TIGUERE TAN BIEN CHIVO”

La galería Lyle O. Reitzel Arte Contemporáneo se complace en presentar, por primera vez en República Dominicana a uno de sus más recientes descubrimientos artísticos, se trata de la propuesta emergente del fantástico dúo español Los Bravú quienes exhibirán su solo show “‘E’to Tiguere Tan Bien Chivo’” el próximo 4 de abril, 2019 en nuestro espacio de la Torre Piantini de 7-10:30pm.

Los Bravú, nombre que traducido al gallego significa fragancia de animal silvestre, viven y trabajan en Pontevedra y están conformados por la pareja Dea Gómez (Salamanca, 1988) y Diego Omil (Pontevedra, 1989) ambos licenciados en Bellas Artes en la Universidad de Salamanca. Sus obras de una factura impecable y fresca, ejecutadas a cuatro manos, manifiestan un temprano lenguaje particular que se nutre de la iconografía renacentista, fusionada con elementos y espacios cotidianos de la vida contemporánea.  Los protagonistas de sus obras son jóvenes anónimos de miradas absortas que recorren escenas de gran formato con referencias a las nuevas tecnologías y comunicación digital.

Los Bravú en Samaná, República Dominicana

Los Bravú en Samaná, República Dominicana


La novel dupla, con una carrera en franco ascenso, son los invitados a formar parte de la segunda edición de la Residencia/Taller “El Portillo”, Samaná con la colaboración de Valeria De Moya. En este espacio idílico caribeño producirán parte esencial de las obras a exhibirse en LOR Gallery. La primera experiencia de este proyecto piloto fue ejecutada en 2016 por el maestro Uruguayo Ignacio Iturria quien nos dejó huellas indelebles con su impronta.

Los Bravú han expuesto en galerías y festivales internacionales como el FIN de Angoulême, JUSTMAD, Estampa y Matadero Madrid, El Parche en Bogotá. Sus obras forman parte de las colecciones DKV y de la Real Academia de España en Roma. Recientemente, ingresan a la importante ‘Fundación Casa Cortés’, San Juan, Puerto Rico, y ‘Colección Mariano Yera’, una de las más importantes de España, la cual abarca pintura de gran formato de la segunda mitad del siglo XX a la actualidad.

La exposición estará abierta al público hasta el 15 de mayo del 2019 en Lyle O. Reitzel Gallery Santo Domingo.

LOS BRAVÚ: “E’TO TIGUERE TAN BIEN CHIVO”

Lyle O. Reitzel gallery is pleased to introduce one of their most recent artistic discoveries, up-and-coming Spanish Dúo Los Bravú, by announcing their first solo show in Santo Domingo. Their exhibition titled “E’to Tiguere Tan Bien Chivo” will take place starting 7 PM April 4th 2019 in our gallery space in Torre Piantini.

Los Bravú, Galician word that roughly translates as a wild animal’s scent, is composed by Dea Gómez (Salamanca, 1988) and Diego Omil (Pontevedra, 1989), both Fine Art graduates from University of Salamanca established in Pontevedra. Their impeccable pieces, fruit of simultaneous work by the dúo, manifested early on a distinctive and fresh aesthetic inspired by Italian renaissance imagery merged with elements and surroundings of contemporary life.

The novel Dúo has been invited to the second edition for the artist residency hosted at El Portillo, Samaná in collaboration with Valeria De Moya. In this idyllic caribbean atmosphere, Los Bravú will produce key pieces that will be exhibited in their upcoming show. The first edition of this residency in 2016, pioneered by Uruguayan Ignacio Iturria, left an indelible imprint as a master of his artistry under the new warmth of tropical light.


Los Bravú at Samaná, Dominican Republic

Los Bravú at Samaná, Dominican Republic

Los Bravú have exhibited in international galeries and festivals such as FIN de Angoulême, JUSTMAD, Estampa & Matadero Madrid, and El Parche in Bogotá. Their pieces are part of important collections like DKV and La Real Academia de España in Rome. Currently they’re exhibited in the renowned ‘Fundación Casa Cortés’, San Juan, Puerto Rico, and ‘Colección Mariano Yera’, whose collection of larger paintings transcends from half of the XX century to the present.


SCOTT DANIEL ELLISON’S “WOODLAND FABLES” – EXTENDED BY POPULAR DEMAND

Due to overwhelming interest, Lyle O. Reitzel Gallery is proud to announce the extension of Scott Daniel Ellison’s “Woodland Fables” through mid-January. We would like to again extend an invitation to any and all who have not had the opportunity to see this incredible collection of works by the talented New York oil painter.

Two new works, “Goblin” and “Picnic” have also been added!

INTERVIEW: LYLE O. REITZEL DURING CONTEXT ART MIAMI 2015

This interview featured the work José Bedia, Firelei Baez, Edouard Duval Carriè, Ignacio Iturria, Raúl Recio, Gerard Ellis, José García Cordero, which Lyle O. Reitzel Gallery exhibited in Context Art Miami 2015, during Art Basel Miami Beach. The interviewer questioned why Lyle O. Reitzel gallery was the only Dominican gallery present in Art Miami 2015. Lyle O. Reitzel Gallery has been participating in diverse art fairs for the past 20 years.