Mexican and Mexican-American culture engulfs the Southwest region with various forms of expression. Murals, music, and even the food evoke passion and endurance of a people influencing the world around them. While keeping one eye on the future and the other on the past, many artists strive to spur reflection and change in hopes of preserving and establishing an identity in our Big Brother society.
Painter AztecSmurf, 33, is one such artist who uses bright acrylics and thought provoking images on the canvas to convey culture, beauty, mystery, and heartache. Many of his works resemble a mix between Frida Kahlo and Salvador Dali that demand your attention by playing with your sense of perception and reality in bold color schemes.
The Arizona Latino Arts and Cultural Center hosts his “Dream Season” exhibition through August 30 at 147 East Adams Street. Hours Friday, July 26, are 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission is free. Call 602-254-9817 or see www.alacaz.org.
Fridays, 6:30-9:30 p.m. Starts: July 5. Continues through July 31, 2013