CALIXTO ROBLES

LIVE AT FLEA ST. CAFÉ
Sunday, February 19, 2006
4:00-6:00 pm

Art Show and Reception — Meet Calixto Robles (painter, printmaker, and sculptor) at a reception to honor and view his work. Inspired by the myths and symbols of the ancient traditions of Mexico, Calixto was the December 2005 artist-in-residence at The De Young in SF.

His work has been exhibited in many galleries, including the Museo Nacional de la Estampa in Mexico City, the Centro Cultural de Mexico in Paris, France, the Biblioteca de la Havana in Cuba among others.

Light appetizers and Silver Mountain Rose will be offered.
After the reception, join us for dinner at Flea St.
For reservations: 650-854-1226


Artist Statement
I am a printmaker, painter, and ceramic sculptor from Oaxaca, Mexico. My work is inspired by the myths, symbols, colors, and ancient traditions of Meso-AmeriCA While in the midst of working these traditional influences arise spontaneously, accidentally, and in the moment. I use natural and supernatural figures such as angels, eagles, jaguars, horses, hearts, and moons.

Silk screen allows me to take advantage of textures and use brilliant and vivid colors. I make loose open screen marks combined with drawn and found images.

My focus in painting is to create textured complex, and magical realms. I rework the image many times completely changing the composition, subject matter, and color, until finally arriving at the finished piece. The paintings pass through many renditions and moods like daydreams.

Hand building in ceramics brings me back to the earliest memories I have of making art. It allows me to be in contact with this element earth which is so tactile, generous, and humble. My clay figures are inspired by my personal vocabulary that has been influenced by Pre-Columbian sculptures. I primarily use oxides to create natural earth tones.

Artist Biography
Calixto Robles was born in Oaxaca,Mexico. He is a painter, printmaker, and sculptor. His work, which is inspired by the myths and symbols of the ancient traditions of Mexico, has been exhibited in several galleries, including the Museo Nacional de la Estampa in Mexico City, the Centro Cultural de Mexico in Paris, France, the Biblioteca de la Havana in Cuba, and the Legion of Honor and the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts in San Francisco, California. Robles has been a member of the California Society of Printmakers since 1993 and has taught silk- screen printmaking at the Mission Cultural Center since 1992.