The Reawakening of Joaquin – Manuel Rios

Description

Statement from Manuel Rios:

My work explores the complexities of understanding identity. The imagery often includes figurative subjects juxtaposed next to colorful geometric shapes which careen in and out of the picture plane, creating a sense of confusion.

In my paintings for this exhibition, I explored my own memories of coping with my ethnic identity, using imagery of family members and friends. Each painting echoes past conversations of understanding the complexities of being a Chicano.

Bio:

I am a West Sacramento based artist, curator, Axis Gallery member, YoloArts board member and an Associate Professor of Art at Woodland Community College.

I earned my BA and MA in Studio Art from Sac State, and was awarded the Headlands Center for the Arts Graduate Fellowship. I then received my MFA from UC Davis.

My work is included in permanent collections at San Jose State, and American River College, Sacramento. I have shown in the Museum of the African Diaspora, SF, and the Museum of Culture and the Environment, Ellensburg, WA.