Luis Sanchez
has returned to Seattle after moving to Los Angeles in 2002, and Roq La Rue is proud to display his new works in the city where he began his successful career. This show is a collection of work focusing on archetypal representations of the struggle between life and death. By integrating fresco, dry pigments, and acrylics Luis provides a method of painting on canvas, which is both unique and timeless. This technique gives one the feeling of peering through an external wall into the theatrical world of burlesque dancers, magicians, carnival performers, and anthropomorphic tricksters. This voyeurism is often reciprocated with a suggestive intensity, each painting's personae challenging the viewer either implicitly or with a direct stare. The characters and symbolism of the paintings coerce the viewer to shed their ego, and let go of expectations and assumptions affecting the most important aspects of life.
Lizz Lopez lives a life full of duality that is reflected in her art. A registered nurse by day, Lizz has worked in both hospice as well as critical care wards. At night, she lives in an artist¹s community building, where amongst creativity is also the attendant ills such as addiction. These almost contradictory lifestyles Lizz juggles, and uses as a catalyst in her work. In this series the icon of the nurse reigns supreme. Portrayed in both an angelic and a devious light, these characters portray the conflicting emotions in dealing with human vulnerabilities. Mixed in the paintings are also images of blood, tattoo-like scripted text and flourishes, and allusions to nature, such as antler headpieces some of the subjects wear.
Official Website: http://www.roqlarue.com/showpages/March07/March07.html