Gallery • 3 Photos

Leanna Bobadilla

The man who created this exhibit, Eduardo Viramontes, has his own way of thinking about his art. “I always believed in myself, so I just kept making stuff no matter what people thought of my art,” Viramontes stated. “I wanted to make it for myself and I always want to just get better at what I do. It's nice to look back and see how far you've gotten and realizing all the things you've accomplished. It keeps me motivated too.”

From Nov. 8th to the 27th, the Stay Gallery will have Eduardo Viramontes solo exhibition, Strawberry Fields: A Dedication Through Letters And Dramas on display. Viramontes comes from a Mexican family and grew up here in America, he has put the memories of growing up into the art in this exhibit. The various pieces that make up the exhibit show off an array of mediums Viramontes has experimented with throughout his career. 

The message carried by both this exhibit along with the rest of Viramontes’ art is that individuals need to look beyond what lies directly in front of them and see what is really behind the things that stand before them. Each piece has an aspect which is covered by another layer of paint, in some, it is his words or another figure and in others it is gradients that were put on smooth and covered by textured paint.

“It’s like the idea of seeing the graffiti in the city being painted over, usually leaving a batch of abstract squares.” Viramontes recalled. “Sometimes you can also see the old paint peeking from below. With the more figurative stuff, like Rosa Y Blanca, the piñatas are hiding a skeleton which can be seen breaking through in this painting.”

Viramontes has been working on these specific pieces since March of 2019. Although, the ideas have been festering in his head for the past 2 years. Many different painting styles were explored during the months he spent on these pieces. The same theme is carried within each piece, they all tell a story together. Much time and dedication was put into finishing this exhibit in time, something that worried Viramontes at times. He spent 12 nonstop hours painting in order to finish in time, still there was worry that he might not finish the candy and wire installation, one of the most important pieces. Multiple pieces in the exhibit carry a strong emotional connection to Viramontes.

“I think Gracias Amigo is the piece with the most because it actually is a dedication to my German Shepherd, Lobo who passed away in the timeframe this piece was being made.” Viramontes said, “It was a significant loss for me, especially in a busy time like this year, but I turned the event into motivation to finish the piece in his honor and as a thank you. It just goes to show that art really can be therapy.” 

Viramontes has dedicated himself to his work, explored various ways of making art and made himself into a successful artist, designer,and illustrator because of it. When he first began, he admits he did not expect to end up where he is now.

“I didn’t let that stop me. I always believed in myself, so I just kept making stuff no matter what people thought of my art.” Viramontes stated, “I wanted to make it for myself and I always want to just get better at what I do. It’s nice to look back and see how far you’ve gotten and realizing all the things you’ve accomplished. It keeps me motivated too.”

The support his family and friends provide in regards to his work means a great deal to Viramontes. Along with his desire to inspire others to follow their dreams, they are a large part of what keeps him motivated. He wishes to influence his community, his city, and his friends to be more creative and more attentive so that we can better ourselves. Viramontes also encourages other artists to continue creating and putting their work out into the world