Art Shizow.

For the art show review this week, I visited the MCC to see what they had to offer there.  There were a few really interesting pieces I really liked.  First was Fabian Debora's Shining Star, an acrylic on canvas postmarked for 2009.  It was the first one that really caught my eye with its gorgeous popping orange glow and the powerful imagery.  After reading the info box, it was clear that Debora had had a hard life, being kicked out of school for focusing too much on his passion for artwork.  Then, in 1994, Father G reached out to Debora and helped him change his perspective on art from something that got him in big trouble to a path out of violence and onto something better for life.  He directed him onto a better pathway for his passion and talent for art.  I believe this painting reflects the mentoring Father G gave to Debora, as the shooting star in his life who encouraged him to change the meaning of his art, of his life.  To me, it looks like the young boy in the painting is supposed to be Debora and the man outstretching his arms, an effort for help and guidance, is to represent Father G.  I think the positioning of the characters and the powerful popping color of the acrylic really brings this painting to life and gives it significant meaning.  The next piece that really stood out to me was the Before...After work.  It portrays a woman, in a before and after shot, that are visually exactly the same, with a different color background.  After reading the info box, I learned this is a piece commenting on the continuous oppression and racism that exists in our world. It is a play on the ads promising women makeovers to improve their appearance. Appearance may be able to be altered but the oppression, stereotypes, and racism continues on.  I find this also having another meaning.  Women can make attempts to alter what they look like for the world outside them, but what stays constant is who you are and that is what should matter most in this world, whether latina, white, or black.  The last painting I really liked was Gabriel Navar's Com Revealed, acrylic, pencils and oil on paper copyrighted 2010.  I really love when artists play with texture.  The paints pop out in this piece really giving it a character of it's own.  I did not find an info box for this one and tried to search for information but could not find anything.