Samuel E Vázquez
| Samuel E Vázquez | |
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| File:Samuel E Vázquez.jpg
Samuel E Vázquez in his studio
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| Born | 1970 San Juan, Puerto Rico |
| Nationality | Puerto Rican |
| Known for | Abstract Expressionist Paintings, Graffiti Art |
| Website | www.samuelevazquez.com |
Samuel E Vázquez (born Samuel Enrique Vázquez Rivas, 1970) was a participant of the New York City Subway graffiti art movement of the 1980s. Today, Vázquez works on abstract expressionist paintings and exhibits internationally.
Biography
Vázquez was born in San Juan, Puerto Rico in 1970 to parents of African, Spanish, French, and Jewish descent. His parents recognized his artistic inclination at the age of four and encouraged him to explore the arts. In 1979 the family moved to New York City where Samuel first became aware of the art that covered the city's subways and walls. By 1983 Samuel began painting and writing the subways using the name "Brame." He is a member of numerous New York City graffiti crews.[1] Vázquez was mentored by fellow graffiti artist Anthony "A-One" Clark, a collaborator of neo-expressionist painter Jean-Michel Basquiat. After the New York City subway graffiti era ended, Samuel shifted his focus to furthering his education. He holds degrees from New York City College of Technology—CUNY and The Herron School of Art and Design.
Art
Vázquez's abstract paintings are rooted in his urban upbringing and often incorporate the spontaneous mark makings commonly found in large city walls and surfaces.
Culture writer Karla D. Romero of Humanize Magazine (Spain) wrote, "His work embodies an ancient art, with a fresh perspective and an overall comprehension of a seemingly fictional New York City, where youth took to the streets to create art, to tag their social message and connect with their city... If you are of the Picasso mindset, 'Bad artists copy, Good artists steal,' then you will probably hate Vázquez's work, not because he doesn't use a medium that is common, but because he does so in a way that is unique, organic and graceful... If you believe in originality and the force behind doing something unlike anyone else, then you'll love Vázquez's work. I think Dalí said it best, 'The first man to compare the cheeks of a young woman to a rose was obviously a poet; the first to repeat it was probably an idiot,' Vázquez is clearly a poet."[2]
In 2013, Vázquez did a graffiti painting on the grounds of the Indianapolis Museum of Art (IMA).[3] This invitation to paint at the museum was in conjunction with artist Ai Weiwei's According to What? exhibition at the IMA. Early in 2014 Vázquez was a guest panelist, at The Indianapolis Public Library Central Branch, for a screening of the documentary The Wrinkles of the City - La Havana, directed by artists JR and José Parlá.[4]
In addition, Vázquez has also curated a number of art exhibitions including 25 Above Water, (2005-2006), in support of hurricanes Katrina and Rita relief efforts and In An Expression of the Inexpressible, (2009) an exhibition that explored the interaction between music and art. The exhibition's title was adapted from the song of the same title, In An Expression of the Inexpressible, (1998) with permission from the alternative rock band Blonde Redhead. The album cover for Black Devil Disco Club - Eight Oh Eight created by Non-Format in collaboration with Belgium artist Géraldine Georges was used as the exhibition's marketing image. Notable artists that have participated in Vázquez-curated exhibitions include Stefan Sagmeister, Non-Format, Karlssonwilker, Mike Mills, Hannah Waldron, Si Scott, Géraldine Georges, Mike Joyce/Stereotype Design NYC, Sara Haraigue, Yokoland, Jean Jullien, and Rick Valincenti/3st.
To date (2015) Vázquez's paintings have been the subject of over 35 solo and group exhibitions at galleries and cultural institutions such as Clowes Memorial Hall of Butler University, Madame Walker Theater, Indiana State Museum, Beard Arts Center, Herron Gallery, Marsh Gallery, Dean Johnson Gallery, and Grace Gallery NY, among others.
Personal life
Samuel E Vázquez is married.
References
- "From Street To Gallery: Samuel E Vázquez", NUVO, [1]
- "Samuel E Vázquez - Graffiti Was Our Social Network", Humanize, [2]
- Samuel E Vázquez at the Indianapolis Museum of Art, [3]
- "Taking it to the streets at Central Library", Art Film and Discussion, Indianapolis Star, [4]
