Guadalajara artist Armando Melendez will be the guest speaker at the Monday, June 2, 10 a.m. meeting of the Ajijic Society of the Arts (ASA).
Melendez studied architecture but devoted his life to his passion: painting. In 1971 he studied in Paris with Alechinsky, and later received degrees in art from the Instituto Tecnologico y de Estudios Superiores de Occidente (ITESO) in Guadalajara and earned a Masters in Fine Art at the New York Academy of Arts.
In the early years Melendez worked in oils, but today the abstract expressionist says, “I avail myself of whatever techniques, materials (cements, sand, resins, wax, dirt) all of the objects, procedures or ideas I deem necessary to accomplish my artistic expression.”
He frequently incorporates sand with water, oxidizing color, and then experiments with textures. “Because my method is constructive and subtractive, I generate space rather than dividing it. As a result, these works,” said Melendez, “range from extreme visual complexity … to extreme simplicity and are so touchable that they appeal to the senses and draw on our connection to the earth.” He added, “My work is my life, my thoughts and emotion. The content of my work is absolute, natural, internally existent, and emotional. “
ASA President Deena Hafker reflected the excitement of group members who are awaiting the presentation by Melendez whose intense works have been displayed around the world. She said, “Our own enthusiasm is always jumpstarted when we hear another artist discuss art and their passion for their work.
The lakeside artists and artisans members of ASA meet at La Bodega in Ajijic at 10 a.m. on the first Monday of each month. Area artists are always encouraged to join the group and participate in these valuable meetings and programs.