Brownsville
BIO:
Cande Aguilar, Jr., was born in Brownsville, TX. A self-taught artist, he began his career as a musician at the age of 10 and recorded his first album by the age of 13. As a touring musician, he toured the United States and received numerous awards. The touring period allowed Aguilar to mature and gain inspiration from diverse cultures. In 1999 he produced his first oil painting, and has since accumulated an impressive body of work.
In this short period, he has shown his passion and dedication for the arts. Aguilar’s work is an example of the unique art form found in the Rio Grande Valley. Aguilar has been creating visual art for 9 years.
ARTISTIC STATEMENT:
As an artist, it’s important for me to give the viewer the opportunity to become one with sensitivity. In time, this art will reveal a truth that conveys an existence that is unique to our world in the 21st century. In my art, the mixed media technique opens the doors of dimension, allowing me to abstract from the primitive, modern and contemporary state.
I believe that music and art is an abstract through which we can channel ourselves, consciously or subconsciously, to experience the universe of life.
I am a studio artist, the main source for my materials and inspiration comes from the streets and highways, the windshield of my vehicle is like a portal which allows me to capture bits and pieces of the passing landscape.
Before 9/11, I was mostly painting still life and portraits, but after 9/11, I was drawn to paint that which was outside of myself, outside my door, giving me, my own true sense of the abstract.
In early 2002 I painted my first series of works in mixed media, "Barrio Pop", depicting and celebrating street icons from the Southmost barrio of Brownsville TX, such as taco stands, 99 cent stores, used tire shops, food vendors that go around in vans etc. At the end of 2002 my first child was born resulting in an unexpected change in direction, inspiring me to finally accept and paint the abstract.
In 2004 "Mixta Nueve" brought together my internal-external views in a representation of what could be a wall in an ally or the unfinished painted walls of a house, in a barrio. "American Scape" is a work of art that sums up my interpretation of today’s urban environment: broken glass, sprayed walls, deteriorating billboards, and pop color.
In my recent works "Freeway" and "Next Right" I have traveled into an imaginary city called "Flowerville" where I am currently reflecting, and moving on.
FAVORITE PLACES TO EXHIBIT ART IN THE RGV:
Galeria 409, Brownsville, TX; The Loft Gallery, McAllen, TX; The Art House, McAllen; Nuevo Santander Gallery, McAllen; IMAS McAllen, and The Brownsville Museum of Fine Art. These places offer a space in which the public can view art in a relaxed atmosphere, where you can take the time to observe the art closely.
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All content submitted by the artist.
