« Dual Duel Ken Davis x Ellen Murphy | Main | Dual Duel _ Installation View _ 4 »
May 23, 2019
Dual Duel Jhovany R. De Ala x Dario Cruz
Jhovany R. De Ala x Dario Cruz (US)
Oax X Cali
mixed media, photography, stencil on aluminum, 24" x 36"
$1500.
Inspiration for their Dual Duel:
This piece is a result of two different artists making a claim on their roots and traditions. Dario Cruz, a self-taught photographer and son of Oaxacan immigrants born in San Jose, CA, and Jhovany R. De Ala, a self-taught graphic artist and immigrant from Oaxaca residing in San Francisco, CA.
Although one artist was born and raised in Mexico and the other in the United States, both purposefully use their art as a way to reconnect with their Oaxacan culture and history. Grounded in this common thread, they harmoniously approached Dual Duel using different techniques of photography on metal (Cruz) and stenciling (De Ala), and found a balance in their different lived experiences and similarities in artistic processes.
The stencil created by Jhovany is an image Dario’s niece, when visiting the Sierra Norte of Oaxaca, Mexico. She represents the humility and values that come with being raised in a culture that values community and family before the individual self. The background is a monastery in Oaxaca City, where life moves faster and Dario’s niece, although so close has never been and hopes to see one day. ~Jhovany R. De Ala
About the Artists:
Jhovany R. De Ala
Jhovany R. De Ala is a self-taught mixed media artist, born and raised in Oaxaca, Mexico. Specializing in printmaking, he has showcased in Bay Area and international exhibits.
Jhovany’s images show influences of traditional Mexican art mixed with Bay Area culture, and commonly portray modern day destruction and worldwide issues by corrupt establishments. This pain is contrasted by Jhovany’s focus on empowerment, humor and strong representation of nature, alongside portraits of historical activists and individuals from his communities.
Based in San Francisco, California, Jhovany can often be found passing out free art at public demonstrations or working at his studio, La Gubia Gráfica, where he hosts printmaking workshops regularly.
Dario Cruz
I am a self taught photographer based in San Jose, CA but often travels to Oaxaca. My inspiration comes from admiring all the beauty that Oaxaca has to offer from its traditional dances to all its delicious food. I love to share my point of view with the audience in hopes that they one day feel inspired to travel and experience the magic that Oaxaca has to offer.
Posted by Anno Domini