Las Vegas, N.M. – New Mexico Highlands University presents an art exhibit by renowned Latino painter Alfred Quiroz in its Burris Hall Gallery July 30 – Aug. 31.
The gallery is at 903 National Ave. There will be a closing reception Aug. 31 from 3 – 5 p.m. with Quiroz presenting a gallery talk at 4 p.m.
Quiroz’ distinguished career as a contemporary narrative painter has spanned more than four decades. Over the years, he has received numerous awards and honors, including the Latino Artist Lifetime Achievement Award in 2007 from the League of United Latin American Citizens.
“My creative process is based on satire and humor, whether it is about the sociopolitical world we live in or my own personal history,” Quiroz said. “My approach utilizes bright color, whether it be acrylic or oils, and geometrical compositional elements based on the golden ratio. Very often these elements are distorted beyond the rectangular format. This method has allowed me to create larger-than-life paintings that can spill into a room.”
Quiroz’ work involves extensive research and relates to current events.
“I’m interested in the hypocrisy of how certain historical events are glossed over,” Quiroz said.
“Alfred Quiroz has a lot to share with our students about the role of artists as activists on important issues like immigration,” said Melissa Williamson of the Fine Arts Department. “He collaborated with other artists on a multimedia project that is placing art at the Mexican-Arizona border.”
In 2003, Quiroz was awarded a Fulbright Border Program Award. During his sabbatical, he completed a large mural at the Universidad Tecnologica de Nogales in Sonora, Mexico that was part of an art project called “Pride of Humanity” that is installed on the border wall in Nogales, Mexico.
Quiroz, a Tucson native, is also a longtime professor in the College of Fine Arts at the University of Arizona and received the Dean’s Teaching Award in 2003, among other honors.
Williamson said that B.F.A. students from Highlands will have the opportunity for Quiroz to critique their work, which will help them refine their portfolios for applying to M.F.A. programs.
Quiroz’ work has been featured in exhibits from coast-to-coast, including the Gallery NAGA in Boston and the Museum of Contemporary Art in San Diego. Frequent shows in Mexico include venues such as the Museo de la Historia Mexicana in Monterrey.
His work has been reviewed in publications such as The New York Times, Art in America, Los Angeles Times, Washington Post, Providence Journal, San Francisco Examiner, San Francisco Chronicle, and Artforum, an international magazine.
Quiroz’ paintings have been selected for inclusion in books such as Contemporary Chicana and Chicano Art, published by Bilingual Press in 2003.
Quiroz was born in 1944 and earned his M.F.A. in painting from the University of Arizona and an M.A. in art education from the Rhode Island School of Design. He completed his B.F.A. in painting from San Francisco Art Institute.