Tino Rodriquez and Virgo Paraiso: Lullabies for the Dark Ages
June 7 â July 5, 2008
Opening Reception: Saturday, June 14, 8 â 11 pm
“Let the beauty we love be what we do Don’t go back to sleep.”
(Rumi 13th century)
Defying simple classification, the work of Tino Rodriguez exists in a subliminal space, embracing an ambiguity that expands perspective. The confounding of gender within reminiscently religious surroundings creates disorientation. Yet, this disorientation is akin to a waking dream, allowing for the possibility to experience the images of fantasy. Rodriguez’s paintings manifest the artist’s search for a spiritual philosophy that transcends simple duality. The restrictive dualities of Western religions good and evil, heaven and hell, spirit and body intermingle in a vision that deconstructs such ordering. Rodriguez represents human exuberance and decadence in his exploration of the complexity of human sexuality, transformation, longing and transgression. With the total abandonment of rationality, he creates a syncretic universe in which all is integrated, whether it be good or evil. Rodriguez was born and raised in Guadalajara, Mexico, and holds an MFA from the University of Albuquerque. His work has shown in Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Jose, New Mexico and Montana.
Paradise, metamorphoses and hybridism appear in the worlds of Virgo Paraiso’s paintings. The scenes focus on the connection between nature and human kind as the inhabitants transform into nature itself. Such metamorphosis awakens sensation, heightening spirituality to enlightenment. The depiction of ancient cross-cultural concepts allows the viewer to experience the distant worlds of ancient Mesoamerica. These visions evoke exotic and ancient cultures, brilliant fairytales, fantastic dreamscapes, and Eden-like bliss. Paraiso’s paintings allow for an experience of worlds where beauty, man and nature collide in an evocative and thrilling embrace. Paraiso was born and raised in Mexico, and holds a BFA from Academy of Art College in San Francisco. His work has shown in Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Jose, Honolulu, Boston and Japan.
Merry Karnowsky Gallery
170 South La Brea Avenue (in the Art 170 Building),
Los Angeles, California 90036
323.933.4408
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