Art Blog - Hispanic Art Scene

We Are You Project Opening Reception Yesterday Sunday March 18, 2012 I had the honor to participate and attend the opening reception of the We Are You Project at Wilmer Jennings Gallery at Kenkeleba in NYC. Pictured to the right Artists Raul Villarreal, Joe Overstreet and Jose Acosta. I enjoyed the art exhibit and the music and singing that were all part of the program. My friend and fellow artist Jose Rodeiro was great in that he introduced me to many fellow artists that I did not already know and also to many of the distinguished guests that attended this event. One of the organizers of the event Robert Rosado was also kind enough to introduce me to many distinguished guests… Continue reading… 3 comments

Hispanic Art Market 2012 I can easily predict that we will have a very strong Hispanic Art Market in 2012. Pictured to the right "Flying Carpet" by Jose Acosta In 2011 Art Collectors from all over the world realized how undervalued the Hispanic Art Market has been and decided to add many Master Works to their collections. Latin American Art Auctions in New York broke many records and many artists work sold for over One Million Dollars. The Hispanic Art Fairs were well attended and also had record sales. Many of the works that would have found homes in America are now purchased by Latin American Collectors and European Collectors. The Market is very strong for well known names like Fernando Botero, Rufino Tamayo, Diego Rivera and Wilfredo Lam… Continue reading… 8 comments

Congratulations to Hispanic Artists participating at Art Basel 2011 I would like to congratulate all Artists, Art Galleries, Collectors, and Art Enthusiasts who will attend or participate in Art Basel Miami Beach in December 2011. I hope the Art Basel Miami Beach Fairs and all the surrounding Fairs and Events will have a fantastic turn out. I am unable to attend the events this year as I will be hanging my solo exhibit at Fairleigh Dickinson University but I am glad to have 12 paintings in Miami that will be part of the fairs and events going on in Miami this week. I also have many Artist Friends that will participate in the main event and the surrounding fairs and I wish them lots of Success and Sales… Continue reading… 1 comment

"Dimensions and Delights" Art Exhibition Location: Abro Art Gallery 2137 NW 2nd Ave Miami, Fl. 33127 Exhibit Starts: October 8, 2011 Opening Artists Reception: Sunday October 16, 2011 Pictured to the right Painting "DOW" by Jose Acosta Travel to a new world of art. Explore masterful manipulation of color, texture and form. Where? At the exhibition of "Dimensions and Delights" at Abro Art Gallery in Miami, Florida. This Exhibit will feature works by artists Jose Acosta, Joel Blanco, Ryan Alvarado and Jose Pelletier. Abro Art Gallery is a hidden gem in the Miami Wynwood Art District that represents exceptional art from both international and local talents with an emphasis on Latin American and Cuban born artists… Continue reading… 4 comments

Cuban Arts Heading to Manhattan This year we will be able to view and enjoy many Cuban art creations, music, dance and films. From March to June of 2011 the Si Cuba arts venues will be in NYC for more info please visit http://sicuba.org/en. In addition there will be plenty of Art exhibitions featuring Cuban & Cuban American visual artists throughout the tri state area. Cubarte NY continues to exhibit locally in Harlem and throughout NYC, QbaVa Gallery in Union City exhibits Cuban art with monthly exhibits. The New York Times had a wonderful article about Cuban Arts that will Wow New York. So if you have never been to a Cuban art event please plan your visit and enjoy the art, music and dance that I am sure will bring a smile to your face… Continue reading… 1 comment

Interview with Artist Rosa E. Colon Rosa Colon was born in Armenia, Colombia. She has been drawing and painting since she was a child and she continued to study art throughout middle and high school. While in high school Rosa won numerous prizes and recognitions for her drawings and paintings. In 1981 she went to study in Bogota -- Colombia at the Jorge Tadeo Lozano University. In 1985 Rosa graduated with a degree as an Interior Decorator. She later enrolled in extended courses of architectural Expression at the National University of Colombia. Rosa wanted to further develop her painting skills so she attended private classes in oil painting while still living in Colombia… Continue reading… 0 comments

Hispanic Art Market 2011 I predict that 2011 will be another good year for Hispanic Art and Artists. Hispanic art exhibitions were very popular in 2010 and some had great results. So in 2011 I do think that we will see more Hispanic art exhibitions in the form of solo and or group exhibits. I also see more opportunities for individual artists to participate in art fairs. Although I think the high cost of these fairs negate any opportunity for the individual artist to make money. My advice to artists is to look at no cost exhibition opportunities and to make sure that your art is on the net so you can be found when your name is put into a search engine. I have had countless inquires to exhibit, because my art was seen on the net… Continue reading… 7 comments

Peruvian Artist Nestor Madalengoitia Exhibit in Poughkeepsie NY. Pictured to the right Artists Charles Geiger and Nestor Madalengoitia with Jose Acosta On Saturday November 20, 2010 I had the privilege of attending my good friend Nestor Madalengoitia's art exhibition / retrospective at the Mid Hudson Heritage Center at 317 Main Street in Poughkeepsie, NY 12601. The exhibition will be on view through December 19, 2010 by appointment only please contact Nestor Madalengoitia at (845) 546-1465 or (845) 473-8185 e-mail nestormad@att.net. The exhibition is fantastic with so many beautiful paintings that just take your breath away. Nestor Madalengoitia is one of the most talented artists creating paintings and murals currently. The quality and beauty in his works are amazing… Continue reading… 2 comments

Hispanic Art Exhibition at Brooklyn College. Pictured to the right Curator Maria Rand with Artists Gabriel Pacheco and his daughter next to Artist Jose Acosta. Encuentro 2010 Art Exhibition " Diaspora, Diversity, and Dialogue" Opening Reception was on Thursday November 18, 2010. The exhibition was well attended by many guests, students and faculty of Brooklyn College. The Art, Food and Music were excellent. The exhibition will be on view until March 4, 2011. At Gold Room (6th Floor) Brooklyn College Student Center Campus Road at East 27th Street, Brooklyn, New York Featured Artists: Jose Acosta, Cesar A. Alfonso, Carlos Bautista, Ana Busto, Rosa E… Continue reading… 4 comments

Hispanic Marathon Sunday in NYC. Pictured to the right are Dr. Elelis Pena (Politician Sato Domingo) Julio C. Nunez (Director of the Immigrant Lives Oral History Project) Dr. Arturo Alvarez (Owner of Poesia magazine and distinguished Journalist)and Jose Acosta (Artist & Journalist)at Museum of the City of New York. This past Sunday November 7, 2010 my wife and I had the privilege of visiting NYC to enjoy viewing the Marathoners running by Central Park and also visiting the newly renovated Museo del Barrio on 5th Ave and 104th Street. I have been a member of the Museum for many years but had not visited since the renovation. The New Museo del Barrio is great I like the architecture and the new spaces including the gift shop and cafeteria… Continue reading… 1 comment

Happy Birthday Peter Bloch Peter Bloch would have been 89 years old today but unfortunately he passed away on July 31, 2008. Peter Bloch will always be a great friend and mentor to me. I visited his grave this past Sunday and placed flowers there for him and said a prayer. It is more then two years since Peter Bloch passed away but he is always in my heart and I see his picture everyday in my studio. Peter Bloch was born in Frankfurt am Main (Germany) on October 19, 1921 and he grew up in Germany. He would later live in England, Switzerland and Belgium before he came to the United States in 1949. He became a United States citizen in 1955. Peter Bloch studied Hispanic history and culture since his youth… Continue reading… 4 comments

Million Dollar Painting I consider myself a middle class artist who loves to create art. I do not sell my art for millions yet and the artists that I know are very much like me. We attend openings for one another and often trade or buy one another's work. We enjoy visiting each others homes and studios and we enjoy hearing of one another's latest success. We live within our means and enjoy the simple things in life. We are always quick to let one another know of exhibition opportunities and often promote our artists friends every chance we get. Yes we have all set high goals to become Superstars and hope that someday in our lifetime and while we are still healthy enough to enjoy it we will achieve these dreams… Continue reading… 5 comments

Euterpe Awards on Sunday September 19, 2010 Congratulations to Euterpe Magazine and Hernando Merchand on the 40th Anniversary Awards Celebration. Award recognitions given to 30 people who have helped and continue to help Euterpe Magazine with its goal of creating Hispanic-American cultural events including performing arts, poetry and art exhibitions. In the picture Hernando Merchand ( Founder of Euterpe Magazine ) Arturo Alvarez ( Distinguished Journalist and President Association of Hispanic Poets, Writers and Artists ) Elelis Pena ( Politician Dominican Republic ) and Jose Acosta ( Journalist and Artist ) Hernando Merchand created Euterpe Magazine for the Performing Arts, Inc. 40 years ago in 1970… Continue reading… 2 comments

Amado Mora Exhibition at Consulate of Ecuador in NJ Yesterday August 19, 2010 I had the great pleasure of attending the exhibition of paintings, Ink drawings and sculpture by my good friend Amado Mora at the Consulate of Ecuador at 400 Market Street in Newark New Jersey. On display were 32 works of art including paintings, ink drawings and sculptures. His ink drawings are so tight, meticulous and precious with lots of hidden images and symbols. These drawings bring you in and keep you searching and exploring for meanings and symbols throughout all. The Sculptures are powerful, deep and full of meaning. I found them irresistible and I hope that someday soon I will be able to own one of these wonderful sculptures… Continue reading… 3 comments

Exhibition of Puerto Rico and Venezuela Artists Pictured Antonio Perez Melero with Padre Diego Jaramillo. On June 21, 2010 I had the honor of attending the exhibition of Artists from Puerto Rico and Venezuela at the Venezuela Mission to the United Nations in New York City. The exhibition was beautifully presented and I enjoyed viewing all the sculptures and paintings on display. The Venezuelan Artists represented were Alicia Meza, Arnaldo Moncada, Ernesto Leon, Nejia Vivas, Guillermo Barreto, John Kelly Aguilera and my good friend Antonio Perez Melero. Antonio was born in Spain but has spent most of his life living in Venezuela and has art studios in Spain, Venezuela and New York… Continue reading… 3 comments

Renowned Sculptor, Manuel Velastegui exhibits at Union City Art Gallery at City Hall. On Wednesday, May 12, 2010 I had the great honor of attending the Sculpture exhibition of the world famous sculptor Manuel Velastegui. To the right is a picture of Jaime Andrade Gallery Associate of Knoedler & Company with the Sculptor Manuel Velastegui. Manuel Velastegui has been creating sculptures for over 40 years he is a master artist and his works are of the highest quality. The beauty of his marble sculptures is breathtaking as the forms give off a sense of movement. Manuel Velastegui metal sculptures are created of found objects and are more whimsical but still have that sense of movement and a few actually do move… Continue reading… 0 comments

Picasso Exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Today I had the great joy of visiting the Metropolitan Museum of art to see the exhibition of art by the world's most famous artist Pablo Picasso. I am glad that the exhibition was created as the genius and talent of Pablo Picasso can now be seen and enjoyed by a younger generation. The exhibition was excellent and I was able to walk around and enjoy all the beautiful art that Picasso created throughout his life. Picasso worked in every medium imaginable and experimented with different forms of art. The quality of each work is tremendous and leaves us knowing that all the praise he receives is well deserved… Continue reading… 1 comment

VIII Exposition of Hispanic American Art celebrated in Union City, NJ. On April 18, 2010 the Hispanic Mercantile Federation in Union City, NJ sponsored the VIII Exposition of Hispanic American Art. Forty nine artists representing fourteen different countries participated in this event. The event was well attended and the artists were able to meet one another and talk with guests about their work. Below is list of artists and countries they represented. [Argentina] Lorena Gomez, Liliana Esther Mateo, Paulina Raso, Nicolas Raso. [Brazil] Iris Alvarez, Arlete Costo, Nadir Telli, [Columbia] Patricia Botero Echeverri, Luis German Morales, Adolfo Pena, Beatriz Ruiz, Solange Valverde. [Costa Rica] Jose L. Quesada Morales… Continue reading… 0 comments

TRIBUTE TO PUERTO RICAN ARTIST JOSE CARABALLO Born in Santurce, Puerto Rico in 1930, Jose Caraballo moved to New York with his parents at the age of 14. In 1947 Jose studied graphics and sculpture in a Greenwich Village workshop. That same year he had the good fortune to meet the great Mexican artist Rufino Tamayo at the Rufino Tamayo Studio at the Brooklyn Museum of Art where Rufino Tamayo was teaching art. Jose Caraballo exhibited paintings in 1950 in Chicago. He then exhibited at the Oller-Campeche-Gallery in Puerto Rico, Galleria II, Galleria Tito, Allen Rich Galleries, Duncan Galleries in Paris France, and many other Galleries throughout New York… Continue reading… 4 comments

Congratulations to Euterpe Magazine and Hernando Merchand. In the picture Elelis Pena ( Politician Dominican Republic ) Hernando Merchand ( Founder of Euterpe Magazine ) and Jose Acosta ( Journalist and Artist ) Hernando Merchand created Euterpe Magazine for the Performing Arts, Inc. 40 years ago in 1970. Euterpe magazine - production promotes Hispanic-American culture in all the arts. The 1st concert was at Carnegie Recital hall on May 3, 1970 with the legendary Puerto Rican pianist Genoveva de Artega. In that year they also started a series of 40 concerts at CAMI HALL… Continue reading… 0 comments

Elisa Pritzker World Famous Women Artist. Elisa Pritzker is an international artist, art curator and consultant. Elisa is also creating excellent contemporary art that quickly finds its way into private and public collections throughout the world. Elisa is one of the best prepared artists that I know and I hope this interview will help other artists benefit from her knowledge. To learn more about Elisa Pritzker please visit her website at www.PritzkerStudio.com Elisa please tell us about yourself and your art? I was born to be an artist. My art and myself are kind of a one thing… Continue reading… 3 comments

BLOCH --Peter, 86, died July 31, 2008 in New York City. Beloved friend, noted journalist and historian and fluent in four languages. Born in Frankfort, Germany he left in 1939 as a teenager and joined the underground in Belgium. He later was interned in Switzerland. He came to the U.S. in 1949 and became a citizen in 1955. He was the founder and President of the Association of Puerto Rican-Hispanic Culture. He was the U.S. Representative of the French Academy of Arts and Sciences. He was appointed a Knight of the Order of Isabella Catolica in 1969 by the Head of the Spanish State. Published in the New York Times on 8/3/2008 It was a great Honor to have met such a great man in the Arts. I knew him long before we met through his book Painting and Sculpture of the Puerto Ricans (1978)… Continue reading… 4 comments

On January 7, 2010 I had the great privilege of attending the opening of the Latino Artists at the University of Connecticut exhibition. I was fortunate to be asked to participate in this exhibition and I am so glad I accepted. The opening party was fantastic with over 200 people attending. The 8 artists that were exhibiting were also in attendance and I am glad I got to talk to them and also take pictures with them. Some are very established in the art world while others are the rising stars of today. Everyone enjoyed the beautiful exhibition and the great foods supplied by our sponsor restaurants DeMaya, Tacos Guadalajara and Quechua Restaurant. The event also had great Music by Manos del Candombe and a beautiful color catalog with images of all the art and artists in the event… Continue reading… 5 comments

Hispanic Art Market will be Hot in 2010 I feel that in 2010 the Hispanic art market will take off. Why do I feel that way? Because all the talk and action taking place right now suggest that to me. In Miami more galleries are representing Hispanic artists. In Union City, New Jersey the Hispanic art events are growing in numbers as well as the galleries that represent Hispanic artists. Most of the Hispanic art events I participated in this past year were very successful for me as well as for other Hispanic artists that participated (Lets not forget the galleries and institutions that were very happy as they made from 30-50% Commission). Museums & Universities are also adding more Hispanic art to their collections… Continue reading… 2 comments