In the field of plastic arts, the growing number of painters who day by day swell the waiting line seeking access to both galleries and museums as well as the consideration of critics, in order to gain recognition and, therefore, the long-awaited listing on the market. The investment of creative energy is immeasurable in our country, although not all this energy manages to remain.
In the field of plastic arts, the growing number of painters who day by day swell the waiting line seeking access to both galleries and museums as well as the consideration of critics, in order to gain recognition and, therefore, the long-awaited listing on the market. The investment of creative energy is immeasurable in our country, although not all this energy manages to remain.
Artists go, artists come, and as they appear, they disappear. And the fact is that the artist's life is not an easy thing, because when one opts for creation, this way of life cannot be pose. It requires, among other things, study, training, work, effort, dedication, identity, production, talent and time.
In this way or way of life, few painters transcend the challenges and achieve permanence; few are based on extensive knowledge of instruments, technique and materials to achieve their own expression. Fewer do a deep reflection so that their production does not end up being a type of object that meets the crowded needs of some galleries. And even fewer are those who start with the mastery of the trade and do not limit themselves to trying to reach the market or the much coveted glory, but make their daily work a permanent challenge in which each stroke, sketch or finished canvas is a impeccable attempt to achieve a conjugation of form and idea that manages to produce an emotion in the viewer.
Of this type of painters, Aguascalientes has two of them. Their names: Elba Garma and Juan Castañeda, whose works contain a creative energy that has achieved permanence over the decades. Its production is already part of the collection of plastic from Aguascalientes and the country. Graduates in the sixties from the National School of Painting and Sculpture of the National Institute of Fine Arts (La Esmeralda), they have done a consistent job, participating in countless group and individual exhibitions. The most important annual, biennial and triennial shows in the country have hosted the work of these artists. The prizes in plastic competitions and the scholarships have not been lacking. The mention and classification of his work by some of the most prominent specialists is extensive in magazines and newspapers. Detailing Elba and Juan's CV would require a space that we do not have. It is more important to show our readers the works of these unique painters in order to enter into the exquisite joy of contemplation and try to share the delirium and alchemy that their works generate: fresh and free images that lead us to the joy of form and color. with varied themes.
Narrating what is lived is easier than narrating what is imagined, since much more has to be invented. In Elba and Juan's work, everything revolves around the lived, the imagined and the dreamed.
Source: Aeroméxico Tips No. 21 Aguascalientes / Fall 2001
