There is something thrilling about approaching a piece of paper bigger than oneself. For the last few years I have challenged myself by making charcoal drawings in the style of an art performance. I approach the drawing process with a slight idea of what I want and then let the moment and the place dictate the final outcome. I have done this with live audiences as well and I enjoy the thrill of finishing with something meaningful at the end.
This week, I had the chance to do my largest charcoal drawing at the National Museum of Mexican Art in Chicago as part of my solo exhibition titled Open Doors/Puertas Abiertas. The work took 5 hours split in two day sessions. The drawing is 100″ x 176″ on stonehenge printmaking paper. The idea came about as I was driving to the museum for the drawing. I had a One Dollar bill inside my cup holder. I saw it and I thought about what that piece of paper means specially to an immigrant. The dollar bill has been a powerful symbol for many generations. So, I changed the word “dollar” to “dolor” which means “pain” in Spanish. There is pain for every dollar. Who’s pain? That is for you to decide…
One Pain/One Dolor is the title for this work to be made public during the opening reception Friday, March 1, 2013 from 6-8 pm.
VIDEO PROCESS:
PHOTO GALLERY:
~THE END~
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Reblogged this on Art World Chicago and commented:
Loved the exhibit and the museum!
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