Paul D. Fuentes

Witching Hour

Spray enamels, oils, acrylics, authentic spray paint cans, mounted resin molded brick with wood frame created by the artist. A confluence of inspirations from the artist's graffiti artistry. About the Artist Born in Belgium and artistically inclined at an early age, V.P. was executing well-defined pencil sketched portraits of anyone who would sit for him by age 4. The family’s emigration to the United States in 1967 landed the 8 year old in the Fordham section of the Bronx at the height of the psychedelic era and POP ART movement.  The Fordham Road shopping district offered the young budding artist a fount of inspiration in the form of vibrant Rock & Roll, “black-light” posters in the windows of “head-shops” and the elaborately colored wardrobes of the hippies crowding the boulevard. The pivotal shift in V.P.’s artistic expression was fueled in 1968 by the sight of a Peter Max designed billboard.  Armed with magic markers and acrylic paints, V.P. recreated the vibrant designs from Max’s billboard, the music posters in store windows and the paisley patterns of the shirts the “flower children” favored, as well as the names and slogans painted on the walls of the neighborhood.  The early seventies brought with it a wondrous sight passing overhead on the sides of the elevated trains. NYC Subway Graffiti had arrived.  Looking up and seeing the esoteric names intricately rendered in multi colored swirls and strategically placed on the sides of the trains completely enthralled V.P.’s creative and adventurous spirit. Compelled to be a part of this fascinating movement he watched and rode the subways, deciphering the names and studying the “styles” on the steel rolling art gallery. Using his artistic influences and skills with markers, V.P. created his first moniker “SONIC-ACE” and obsessively drew it in colorful flowing letters to develop his own style.   At age 13 he set out to traverse the city, facing dangers and overcoming obstacles to enter an unknown and secretive world in order to join those who inspired him.  By 1974, he would change his moniker to “VICTOR-161” and paint hundreds of train cars and soon be admitted into the world famous graffiti clique “WILD STYLE” - an honor bestowed due to peer recognized artistic and stylistic abilities.  (WILDSTYLE was created/coined by the iconic TRACY-168)  V.P. was a well known and respected “writer” who “pieced” with revered writers of the day, under the aforementioned monikers including aka’s T-BOLT-123, SULFA-ONE, FANTA-ONE, BOND & ACES.  V.P. retired from painting NYC subway trains in 1977 with occasional excursions in 1986,1987,1988,1999 & 1992.  He continuously expanded his artistic pallet, studying Art History & Graphic Design in college while seeking knowledge from masters in chosen fields of art.  His works have shown in independent galleries nationally and are sought after by international collectors, with numerous private commissions. He has been featured in several best selling books and magazines focusing on graffiti art as well as his status of having been a part of the 1970’s “Golden Era” of NYC Subway Graffiti. V.P. works with a variety of mediums including aerosol paints, oils, water color & acrylic paints, often combining mediums as well as blending POP, graffiti and abstract styles of painting onto wood, canvas and metal.  His professional artistic background includes commercial art and design, logo design, silk screening, printmaking, large commissioned public murals, sign painting, pin striping and airbrushing cars, sculpting, metal fabrication, woodcarving and tattooing. Exhibitions:  Fashion Moda (BXNY) Group Show 1980/Fun Gallery (NYC) group show 1981, Beef Gallery, (LA) Group Show 1981, Gallery International (NYC) Group Show 1985, Susan Greco Gallery (NY) Group Show 1990, Shady Side...

Enamels, oils, acrylics, mounted subway tiles, adhered poster on wood with wood frame created by artist. A confluence of inspirations from the artist's graffiti artistry. About the Artist Born in Belgium and artistically inclined at an early age, V.P. was executing well- defined pencil sketched portraits of anyone who would sit for him by age 4. The family’s emigration to the United States in 1967 landed the 8 year old in the Fordham section of the Bronx at the height of the psychedelic era and POP ART movement.  The Fordham Road shopping district offered the young budding artist a fount of inspiration in the form of vibrant Rock & Roll, “black-light” posters in the windows of “head-shops” and the elaborately colored wardrobes of the hippies crowding the boulevard. The pivotal shift in V.P.’s artistic expression was fueled in 1968 by the sight of a Peter Max designed billboard.  Armed with magic markers and acrylic paints, V.P. recreated the vibrant designs from Max’s billboard, the music posters in store windows and the paisley patterns of the shirts the “flower children” favored, as well as the names and slogans painted on the walls of the neighborhood.  The early seventies brought with it a wondrous sight passing overhead on the sides of the elevated trains. NYC Subway Graffiti had arrived.  Looking up and seeing the esoteric names intricately rendered in multi colored swirls and strategically placed on the sides of the trains completely enthralled V.P.’s creative and adventurous spirit. Compelled to be a part of this fascinating movement he watched and rode the subways, deciphering the names and studying the “styles” on the steel rolling art gallery. Using his artistic influences and skills with markers, V.P. created his first moniker “SONIC-ACE” and obsessively drew it in colorful flowing letters to develop his own style.   At age 13 he set out to traverse the city, facing dangers and overcoming obstacles to enter an unknown and secretive world in order to join those who inspired him.  By 1974, he would change his moniker to “VICTOR-161” and paint hundreds of train cars and soon be admitted into the world famous graffiti clique “WILD STYLE” - an honor bestowed due to peer recognized artistic and stylistic abilities.  (WILDSTYLE was created/coined by the iconic TRACY-168)  V.P. was a well known and respected “writer” who “pieced” with revered writers of the day, under the aforementioned monikers including aka’s T-BOLT-123, SULFA-ONE, FANTA-ONE, BOND & ACES.  V.P. retired from painting NYC subway trains in 1977 with occasional excursions in 1986,1987,1988,1999 & 1992.  He continuously expanded his artistic pallet, studying Art History & Graphic Design in college while seeking knowledge from masters in chosen fields of art.  His works have shown in independent galleries nationally and are sought after by international collectors, with numerous private commissions. He has been featured in several best selling books and magazines focusing on graffiti art as well as his status of having been a part of the 1970’s “Golden Era” of NYC Subway Graffiti. V.P. works with a variety of mediums including aerosol paints, oils, water color & acrylic paints, often combining mediums as well as blending POP, graffiti and abstract styles of painting onto wood, canvas and metal.  His professional artistic background includes commercial art and design, logo design, silk screening, printmaking, large commissioned public murals, sign painting, pin striping and airbrushing cars, sculpting, metal fabrication, woodcarving and tattooing. Exhibitions:  Fashion Moda (BXNY) Group Show 1980/Fun Gallery (NYC) group show 1981, Beef Gallery, (LA) Group Show 1981, Gallery International (NYC) Group Show 1985, Susan Greco Gallery (NY) Group Show 1990, Shady Side...

Horse portrait. Americana colors. Acrylics, mixed media on canvas, 60" x 48"x 2". Gallery wrapped, wired and ready to hang. In “The Patriot”, the harnessed strength of the wor...

Mixed Media Original with resin finish from world renowned artist with unique, one of a kind style. About the Artist: In his prolific career is a culmination of textbook artistic...

Mixed Media Original with resin finish from world renowned artist with unique, one of a kind style. About the Artist: In his prolific career is a culmination of textbook artistic...

Pop Art. Mixed Media sketch on paper. Floats on white matte and framed with white frame. A celebration of America via the Flag. Vintage feel. Background from artists vintage ...

Fresco. 2001, canvas, mixed media, 46x38 cm Ieva Iltnere (b. 1957) entered the Latvian art scene in the early 1980s. Together with other young painters of her generation she attracted much attention and radically changed prevailing conceptions about the Latvian figural painting. The fame of this generation of artists has not diminished since that time. In 1988 Ieva Iltnere took part in the young artists’ exhibition “Post-Traditionalism” at the Central Artists’ House in Moscow as well as in the exhibition “Riga – Lettische Avantgarde” at the Staatliche Kunsthalle in Berlin. It was the first important show of Latvian avant-garde art in Western Europe. In 1990 Ieva Iltnere and her like-minded contemporaries participated in the famous exhibition-action “Gentle Fluctuations” at the Exhibition Hall Latvija in Riga. This exhibition encouraged radical aspirations of the young painters’ group and promoted the adoption of new influences in Latvian art. In 1992 there was Ieva Iltnere and Jānis Mitrēvics’ joint exhibition “Works” and in 1994 – her solo exhibition “School” at the Art Museum Arsenāls. She took part in important Latvian art exhibitions at the Zvolle City Museum (2002), Frauen Museum in Bonn (1992), Grand Salle de l’Aubette in Strasbourg, Maison du Danemark in Paris (1997), Städtische Galerie im Buntentor in Bremen, etc. Ieva Iltnere is one of the most outstanding and creative artists of her generation. Her art is able to communicate great, significant ideas, important to both the individual and the society in general, through intimate subject matter. Iltnere has created a particular imagery that clearly marks her individual style. Her early works deal with themes of family, mother and child, depiction of intimate aspects of life. The artist raised everyday phenomena to the level of sacredness. Today the artist synthesizes traditional means of painting and conceptual approach, inspired by different cultures, Western avant-garde art of the 20th century and Biblical themes (solo exhibition “Stories”, 2002). Iltnere’s paintings feature subdued colouring and discrete intonation. The artist pays particular attention to light and composition. Each work is endowed with a personal touch. Iltnere’s works are found in collections of the Latvian National Museum of Art (previous title - State Museum of Art), the Artists’ Union of Latvia Museum (Riga), the State Tretyakov Gallery (Moscow), Ludwig Museum (Aachen, Germany), Jane Voorhees Zimmerli Art Museum (New Jersey, USA) as well as in private collections in Latvia and abroad. Selected solo exhibitions: 2008 "Beautiful fragile nature", Riga Gallery, Riga / Latvia 2007 "Eight Rooms", Riga Gallery, Riga / Latvia 2004 "The Happy Childhood", Riga Gallery, Riga / Latvia 2003 "Ieva's Painting", Gallery NoMi, St. Petersburg / Russia "My Room", Gallery Centrs, Riga / Latvia 2002 "Stories", Riga Gallery, Riga / Latvia* 2001 "Ieva Iltnere's United Images", Gallery Daugava, Riga / Latvia 1999 "Papers and Canvases", Gallery Daugava, Riga / Latvia 1998 "Paintings of Paris", Gallery Daugava, Riga / Latvia 1997 "Oil", Gallery Bastejs, Riga / Latvia 1994 "School", Art Museum Arsenāls, Riga / Latvia* 1993 Riga Gallery, Riga / Latvia Gallery G&G, Riga / Latvia* 1992 "Works", Art Museum Arsenāls, Riga / Latvia (together with Jānis Mitrēvics)* "Four New Paintings", Gallery Kolonna, Riga / Latvia 1989 Gallery Baltasar, Gothenburg / Sweden (together with Ivars Poikāns)* Selected group exhibitions: 2008 12th International Contemporary Art Exhibition "Art Moscow", Central House of Artists, Moscow / Russia* Rauma Biennale Balticum 08 "Flower Power", Rauman Taidemuseo, Rauma Art Museum/ Finland 2007 11th International Contemporary Art Exhibition "Art Moscow", Central House of Artists, Moscow / Russia* 2005 9th International Contemporary Art Exhibition "Art Moscow", Central House of Artists, Moscow / Russia* 2004 8th International Contemporary Art Exhibition "Art Moscow", Central House of Artists, Moscow / Russia* "The Rape of Europe", Eskilstuna Art Museum, Eskilstuna / Sweden* 2003 "Labyrinth", Gallery Vartai, Vilnius / Lithuania...

tony hernandez was born in Atlanta in 1964 and has been painting professionally since 1988. while he is a southern artist, his works are far from the re...

tony hernandez was born in Atlanta in 1964 and has been painting professionally since 1988. while he is a southern artist, his works are far from the re...

tony hernandez was born in Atlanta in 1964 and has been painting professionally since 1988. while he is a southern artist, his works are far from the re...

The focal point of the artwork, the man's free-flowing dreadlocks, serves as a potent symbol of individuality and cultural diversity. In many cultures, dreadlocks have deep-rooted historical and spiritual significance, representing a unique connection to heritage, self-expression, and identity. By emphasizing the man's hair in the portrait, Adetula calls attention to the fact that discrimination often arises from superficial judgments based on appearance, whether it be hairstyles, clothing choices, or language differences. The artwork's title, "I Need Some Love," conveys a heartfelt plea for compassion and understanding. It reminds us that discrimination and prejudice have no place in a harmonious and inclusive society. Adetula's creation urges us to break free from these harmful mindsets and cultivate a culture of empathy and acceptance toward one another. The message of the artwork resonates strongly with the call to let love prevail, irrespective of one's origin or outward appearance. Discrimination, whether conscious or unconscious, hinders our collective progress as a society. It erects barriers between individuals and communities, fostering mistrust and animosity. Adetula's artwork encourages us to dismantle these barriers and build bridges instead. Embracing diversity enriches our lives, broadens our perspectives, and fosters a climate of respect and unity. The man's free-flowing dreadlocks symbolize the beauty of embracing cultural differences and recognizing the uniqueness that each individual brings to the table. Moreover, "I Need Some Love" emphasizes the power of love as a transformative force. The artwork reminds us that by approaching others with love, compassion, and understanding, we can create an environment where everyone feels valued, respected, and heard. Correcting people with love, rather than judgment or hostility, allows us to foster meaningful connections and open up constructive dialogues, thereby nurturing a culture of growth and understanding. The man depicted in the artwork is a poignant reminder that every person deserves happiness and love, irrespective of their appearance, background, or language. Embracing diversity not only enhances our interpersonal relationships but also contributes to the betterment of society as a whole. When we treat one another with kindness and empathy, we foster a sense of belonging and acceptance that empowers individuals to thrive and contribute positively to their communities. In conclusion, "I Need Some Love" by Michael Adetula...

"Gaze is a Powerful Language," a creation by the talented artist Michael Adetula, is a compelling artwork that explores the captivating and expressive power of a young woman's gaze. ...