New alt_space exhibition in July June 13 2019
Join us on Saturday, July 6 from 4-7 PM for the opening of a new alt_space exhibition by South Florida conceptual artist Ray Azcuy titled Pattern | Abstraction | Design. Light snacks and cocktails will be available during the reception alongside live music, featuring smooth jazz by TRio, with Tyler Rosenke on the drums, Ron Gilotti on the bass and Howard Post on the guitar.
In August there will be two opportunities to learn more about Ray Azcuy and his work. On Saturday, August 3, there will be a reception to meet the artist from 4-7 PM and then on Friday, August 16 at 11 AM, Azcuy will be presenting an Artists Talk to discuss the process and inspiration behind his work and career as an artist.
Ray Azcuy
Pattern | Abstraction | Design
On View: July 6 – August 16, 2019
Opening Reception: Saturday, July 6, 4-7 PM
Reception to Meet the Artist: Saturday, August 3, 4-7 PM
Artists Talk: Friday, August 16, 11 AM
About the Exhibition
For this exhibition, Cuban-born South Florida artist Ray Azcuy presents a series of works on paper in which he intentionally slices, reconfigures and collages his own artwork to create new compositions. The ink drawings and watercolor paintings he creates for these collages are inspired by vintage sewing patterns, printed fabrics, and wall coverings. Azcuy’s mixed-media collages are primarily large in scale. Some emphasize bold black and white motifs while others utilize eye catching color combinations. Both approaches result in strong graphic elements that are both intricately complex and tastefully simple.
Comparisons are drawn between Azcuy’s work and the Pattern and Decoration Movement of the mid 70s and 80s in which artists sought to merge decorative design aesthetics into their art practices. These artists were influenced by a range of traditional ornamental designs across cultures, and often incorporate these elements in their work.
Azcuy explains that “The themes and compositions historically used in highly functional designs are intriguing and challenging to my creative process.” By recombining patterns, shapes and colors to create new forms, Azcuy is paying homage to early traditions in textiles and the decorative arts while also creating new connections and associations, allowing viewers to engage and connect with his work on many levels.
About the Artist
Ray Azcuy lives and works in South Florida. He received his BA and MA from the University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida. He is a recipient of the South Florida Cultural Consortium Fellowship for Visual and Media Artists, the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts Summer Fellowship and finalist for the CINTAS Foundation Visual Arts Fellowship. His work is in corporate, private and museum collections including the Perez Art Museum Miami (PAMM) and the Miami International Airport, Miami, FL. Azcuy’s work has been in various solo and group exhibitions including: New Art South Florida, MOCA at Goldman, Miami, FL, Cintas Foundation Fellowship Finalists, MDC’s Museum of Art + Design, Miami, FL, Big Juicy Painting (and More), Miami Art Museum, Miami, FL, PUSH PLAY Redefining POP, Jacksonville Museum of Contemporary Art, Jacksonville. FL, Salvador Dali Museum, St. Petersburg, FL, St. Petersburg Art Center, St. Petersburg, FL, Aesthetics & Values, Frost Art Museum, Florida International University, Miami, FL, Miami-Dade College, Kendall Campus, Miami, FL, MIA Gallery, Miami International Airport, Miami, FL, Constructing Realities, Ringling School of Art and Design, Sarasota, FL, South Florida Cultural Consortium Fellowship Recipients, Palm Beach Institute of Contemporary Art, Palm Beach, FL. Additionally, Azcuy has taught at the secondary and college levels and was visual arts supervisor and director of museum magnet programs for Miami-Dade County Public Schools.
Image Above Left: Ray Azcuy, Untitled (Calliope), ink, watercolor on cotton paper, 82 x 36 inches
Image Above Right: Ray Azcuy, Untitled (Cilo), ink, watercolor on cotton paper, 82 x 36 inches