The University of New Mexico

NEWS RELEASE

 


Contact: Carolyn Gonzales 277-5920; cgonzal@unm.edu

Oct. 3, 2006

UNM Chicano Artist Presents Thesis Art Show
Opening reception on Friday, Oct. 13

An opening reception for Eric J. García's honors thesis art show, “Chicano Propaganda,” will be held on Friday, Oct. 13, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Sommers Gallery at the University of New Mexico. The exhibit will run from Oct. 8 –21; gallery hours are Monday – Friday 8 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.

García's exhibit presents his personal perspectives of his art, exhibit paintings and drawings completed over the past two years.

García is known for his edge political cartoons featured in the “Daily Lobo.” The exhibition will present more political punches in a new series of cartoons and poster art. García illustrates his political, historical and cultural views of Chicanos in a style he dubs “comic book baroque.” As a satirist, he mocks nations and fellow Chicanos to create a dialog about relevant contemporary issues. From small ink drawings to grand scale paintings, the show will amuse some, perhaps offend others, but will doubtlessly elicit a reaction.

A native of Albuquerque 's South Valley, García is majoring in Fine Art with a minor in Chicano Studies at the University of New Mexico. For two years he has created poltical cartoons and graphics for which he received the New Mexico Associated Press' “Best Illustrator for a College Newspaper” award in 2005.

García's work has been exhibited widely and was recently featured in two solo shows at UNM's Chicano Studies Department and El Centro de la Raza. He has helped create six murals in Albuquerque, has been featured in the “Albuquerque Tribune,” the new arts magazine “Local IQ,” and his work was recently accepted into the permanent collection a the National Hispanic Cultural Center.

Sommers Gallery is located on the UNM campus, Art/Art History Dept. room 202.

For more information, contact García at 203-7831 or lobos007@hotmail.com . Visit him on the Web at southvalleyart.com.

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