This significant etching from Cuevas’ Suite Castellana series showcases the artist's virtuosic command of line and tone. Nude figures, rendered with both beauty and a touch of unease, interact with other, more ambiguous forms. A figure reminiscent of a horse or dog adds to the surreal atmosphere. Cuevas' expressive style and the evocative composition invite viewers to explore the complex interplay of form and meaning within this captivating work. Numbered "PA. 9/10" in the lower margin. Tear to paper and visible label , Gerhard Wurzer Gallery, Houston, Texas on verso. Original frame. Some wear due to age.
Jose Luis Cuevas emerged as a pivotal figure in the Latin American art scene during the late 1950s, focusing on figurative drawing and printmaking. Rejecting traditional painting as superficial, he honed his skills at La Esmeralda and Mexico City College under esteemed mentors like Lola Cueto. His provocative drawings, showcased in his first solo exhibition in 1953, challenged the established norms of Mexican muralism and easel painting.
Cuevas's innovative approach caught the eye of curator José Gómez Sicre, leading to exhibitions in prestigious galleries worldwide. His candid critiques earned him the reputation of an "enfant terrible" in the art world. In 1965, he published his autobiography, "Cuevas por Cuevas," detailing his artistic journey.
Throughout his illustrious career, Cuevas received numerous accolades, including the First Prize in Drawing at the Fifth São Paulo Biennial and the National Prize of Fine Arts from the Mexican government in 1981. His influence on Mexican art is immortalized in the Museo José Luis Cuevas, which opened in Mexico City in 1992 to honor his legacy. Cuevas continues to inspire generations of artists, challenging conventional artistic boundaries through his innovative work.
Mexico
1981
