The difference between Art and Life is that Art is more bearable.
—Charles Bukowski, Notes of a Dirty Old Man
Mindy Solomon Gallery presents ‘FOLKLORIC ACID: The Work of Einar and Jamex de la Torre,’ September 19th-November 8th at 172 NW 24th St. in the Wynwood Art District, Miami. The Opening Night Reception on Friday, Sept. 19th from 6-9pm, will include a tequila tasting with the de la Torre brothers in attendance, sponsored by Gramps bar. The work of Einar and Jamex, AKA “the de la Torre Brothers,” has recently evolved through the use of digital and lenticular printing.
Understanding the frenzy of the work of Einar and Jamex de la Torre is like trying to navigate the running of the bulls in Spain on a tricycle. The chaos coming at you assaults your senses from all sides. Which way to turn? From the baroque sculptural glass and mixed media figures to the multi-dimensional lenticular light box wall pieces, one feels a sense of high stimulation and sensory overload. There is a joyous abandon that accompanies experiencing the work, as well as charm and a folksy narrative that keep the viewer engaged.
Jamex de la Torre states, “’Folkloric’ refers to our interest in the Mexican vernacular; ‘acid’ represents our contemporary reinterpretations and utilization of new material technologies. In this body of work, we have explored tendencies to revisit our 60s and 70s flower child art roots with free-flowing images of beautiful and strange nature. This we juxtaposed with images of consumerist culture. We see ourselves as baroque artists; our work is deeply layered in terms of material and content. We customarily use glass and mixed media—lately, our work has evolved through the use of digital printing and especially lenticular printing.”
Einar and Jamex de la Torre // Rapture // 2014 // 63 x 49 x 5 inches // Lenticular print, LED lightbox
These globetrotting artists have a tremendous fan base that spans the continents. Most recently in Belgium and England, every stop on the artistic journey creates another narrative layer to the work. Their interest in public art and community exchange serves as a bridge between the Mexican/American diaspora and the rich and unique culture of Mexico. Their frequent trips across the border are inspiration for works that speak to the challenges of racial stereotypes in a fluid society.
The de la Torre Brothers’ utilization of humor combined with high craft and innovative artistic articulation create a dynamic and meaningful visual experience.
ABOUT THE DE LA TORRE BROTHERS
Brothers Einar and Jamex de la Torre were born in Guadalajara, Mexico. Jamex in 1960, Einar in 1963. They moved suddenly with the family to Southern California in 1972, going from an all-boys Catholic school to public schools in the beach town of Dana Point. They are presently living and working on both sides of the border with studios in Ensenada, Mexico and San Diego, California. Jamex started flame-working glass in 1977, attended California State University at Long Beach, and received a BFA in Sculpture in 1983. Einar started work with glass in 1980, while also attending California State University at Long Beach. In the 1980s, they ran a flame-worked glass figure business while also developing their assemblage style of work. In the early 90s, they began working collaboratively as studio artists; later in the decade, they began work in installation art with participations in Biennales such as inSITE and Mercosul (Brazil). In the year 2000, the brothers began their work in public art; they now have six major projects completed. They have exhibited their work internationally, participating in exhibits in France, Japan, Canada, Germany, Venezuela, and Brazil, as well as the US and Mexico. Their work is in the collection of the Museum of Glass in Tacoma, Washington; The National Hispanic Center Museum, Albuquerque, New Mexico; Arkansas Arts Center Museum, Little Rock; Arizona State University Art Museum; San Diego Museum of Contemporary Art; Kanazu Museum, Japan; The Fisher Gallery Museum USC, California; Tucson Museum of Art, Arizona; Santa Barbara Museum of Art, California; and The Mexican Fine Art Center Museum in Chicago. They have taught workshops at institutions such as Pilchuck School of Glass, Penland School of Crafts, Ezra School of Glass in Japan, Build-Work Academy in Bavaria, Jam Factory in Adelaide, Australia, and Northlands Creative Glass Centre in Scotland. Their work is included in the private collections of Cheech Marin, Elton John, Terry McMilan, Sandra Cisneros, and Quincy Troupe among others.
Einar and Jamex de la Torre // Los Cuatro Dickens // 2014 // Resin castings, lenticular print, LED lightbox
ABOUT MINDY SOLOMON GALLERY
Mindy Solomon Gallery specializes in contemporary emerging and mid-career artists. Represented works include painting, sculpture, photography, and video in both narrative and non-objective styles. Solomon also exhibits some of the most prestigious contemporary Korean artists on the world market. With an interest in client education, such as a collectors’ tour to South Korea and regular artists’ talks and VIP events, the gallery and its programs endeavor to showcase a unique and bold view of the international art world. Deeply interested in the intersection of art and design, Ms. Solomon and her team collaborate with designers, advisors, consultants and curators to inform and integrate fine works of art as part of a greater aesthetic. One of only six galleries in Florida to be included in ‘Top 500 Galleries Worldwide’ in the Louise Blouin Media Modern Painters 2013 Annual Guide, Mindy Solomon Gallery participates in many prestigious art fairs, including Art Miami during Basel’s Art Week Miami Beach, Zona Maco Contemporary Art Fair in Mexico City, VOLTA NY, and Shanghai Contemporary.
The mission of the Mindy Solomon Gallery is to present the highest caliber works from emerging and mid-career artists in a broad spectrum of media. With a focus on context and the interconnectedness of material, Mindy Solomon and her staff approach the client/artist relationship with an interest in education and visual empowerment.
More Einar and Jamex de la Torre at Mindy Solomon Gallery //
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