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“Who is the person behind the image?”
Probing that pointed question with fellow artists was the inspiration for Pablo Villicaña Lara, guest curator behind “Identity: Defining Identity Through Visual Expression” — the two-month exhibition opening this week in the UNCLE Credit Union Art Gallery at the Bankhead Theater.
“I discovered that artists interpret that question in many ways as they can be emotion based, some are literal, some analyze everything, and others are intellectually based,” Villicaña Lara told the Weekly ahead of opening day.
“It can be through the objects collected for still life. The people they connect with or are connected to in portraiture. Finding kindred spirits in animals whether they be beloved pets or majestic wildlife. Landscapes that speak to their soul or show their ecological concerns for. Or even their emotional journeys through exploration of mediums abstractly or conceptually,” he said.
“What stands out is the various mediums and genre artists depict the same theme, as some works are beautiful, some thought provoking and some challenging,” Villicaña Lara added. “I think viewers will enjoy a peek into how artists convey who they are or at least a part of themselves through their artwork.”
A professional artist and experienced art instructor with degrees from St. Mary’s College and California College of the Arts, Villicaña Lara worked in various mediums until finding watercolor to direct his artistic path more than 30 years ago. He is an adjunct professor at Merritt College and Livermore’s Las Positas College.
Known for demonstrating “a palpable quality of light, clarity of color and strong composition” in his painting, Villicaña Lara evokes “a sense of spirituality that reflects a deep connection to Native and Mexican heritage” in his own works, according to officials with Livermore Valley Arts, who operate the Bankhead gallery.
In his “Identity” exhibition, he turned the personal inspiration question on his peers – and was struck by how they responded creatively.
Villicaña Lara called out “Colonial Contrast” by Nimisha Doongarwal among the impressive pieces in the new showing, saying it speaks of contrasts between colonialism and traditional heritage, a driving current issue. It is both visually beautiful and full of personal symbolism.”
“Safe Space” by Luis Garcia was another standout example, according to the curator.
“This image speaks of the dangerous state of affairs worldwide. Emotions and anxiety can overwhelm and even shut down creativity,” Villicaña Lara said. “But also, it’s by being creative like Luis, that put their energy into the artwork, that can make something positive, beautiful and hopeful.”
There is no shortage of powerful pieces in the exhibition — and even more were submitted that couldn’t make the cut.
“It was a real treat and pleasure to see such a large number of entrees and with that comes the difficulty of the space available. There were many pieces I thought were worth exhibiting but had to leave out due to space constraints,” Villicaña Lara said.
“The resulting images were the most focused on the show’s initial inspiration, the artist’s identity. This made for a dynamic and interesting exhibition that delves into the minds of artists who often bravely reveal themselves,” he added.
“Identity” is open from this Thursday through May 4 in the art gallery at the theater in downtown Livermore. Learn more at livermorearts.org.
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