Roberto Juarez: A Colorful Journey Through Five Decades of Art
Works Created Between 1983 and 2023
On view February 28 through April 15
The C. Parker Gallery in Greenwich, Connecticut proudly unveils its latest exhibition, “Roberto Juarez: Crossing Five Decades,” available for viewing from February 28 to April 15. Featuring the artistic endeavors of New York’s Roberto Juarez from 1983 to 2023, this showcase marks a significant milestone as it meticulously captures five distinct eras of Juarez’s remarkable artistry. Tiffany Benincasa, the esteemed owner and curator of C. Parker Gallery, expresses her enthusiasm, stating, “This exhibition is a unique chronicle of Roberto Juarez’s evolution over five distinct periods, showcasing his exquisite paintings and emphasizing his influential position in the New York art world’s historical narrative. We are honored to present this collection as part of our tenth-anniversary celebration.” The gallery is conveniently located at 409 Greenwich Avenue, providing easy access from Manhattan, just a brief 40-minute train ride from Grand Central Station. Notably, Grand Central Station hosts one of Juarez’s public commission murals, adding to the allure of this artistic journey.
An Artistic Legend’s Genesis
Roberto Juarez’s artistic journey is the stuff of legends in the heart of New York. In 1981, Ellen Stewart, the underground arts icon of the East Village, extended an extraordinary opportunity to Juarez – an artist studio in an abandoned garage owned by the La MaMa Experimental Theatre Club. This unique space, situated on First Street between Bowery and Second Avenue, lacked electricity but was generously provided to Juarez rent-free. To illuminate and heat his studio, renowned costume designer Gabriel Berry lent Juarez an extension cord from her own space.
During the same transformative year, Juarez gained recognition in the New York/New Wave group show curated by Diego Cortez. This exhibition, a historic moment in downtown art, brought together the vibrant art scene of the era. Cortez curated 35 of Juarez’s works, placing them on an entire wall opposite pieces by Basquiat. Notably, some original works by Juarez from this groundbreaking 1981 exhibition are selected for display during this year’s Venice Biennale.
Decades of Achievements
In the subsequent decades, Roberto Juarez achieved significant milestones, including receiving a Guggenheim Fellowship in Painting, the American Academy of Arts and Letters Award, and the Rome Prize Fellowship from the American Academy in Rome. Notably, one of his paintings adorned the book jacket cover of the Whitney Biennale Catalogue in 1987. Juarez was also selected for a public commission mural installation in Grand Central Station in 1997, and he undertook several art commissions for public spaces, including Miami International Airport.
Juarez’s works are prominently featured in the collections of major museums, such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art (NY), Los Angeles County Museum of Art (CA), the Brooklyn Museum, El Museo del Barrio (NY), Perez Art Museum Miami, and the Denver Art Museum, among others. His art has been exhibited in renowned museums worldwide, including the Museum of Modern Art (NY), Whitney Museum of Art/Whitney Biennial (NY), Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LA), Brooklyn Museum, Peggy Guggenheim Collection (Venice), MoMA PS1 (NY), and many more.
Known for his adept use of painterly floral motifs, often drawing inspiration from Hispanic and non-Western painting traditions, Juarez’s artistic expression captivates with its engagement with the poetic and provocative. Edward J. Sullivan, Professor of Art History at NYU, praises Juarez for his effective use of color that evokes both images and emotions, providing viewers with a journey into a subconscious emotional territory. Sullivan curated Juarez’s solo museum exhibition, featuring the artist’s Pater series, a collection produced over several years during which Juarez grappled with the profound loss of his father. To delve deeper into Juarez’s art and this particular series, Clayton Kirking, former Chief of Art Information Resources for the New York Public Library, offers an insightful review – nadnowjournal.org.
Evolution and Color Immersion
Roberto Juarez expresses, “This collection of artworks embodies the sensation of traversing various epochs of my artistic journey. It’s paramount to me that the love I have for painting shines through, ensuring that joy remains an essential element in my work. This new exhibition not only reflects on the past but also looks forward, illustrating that change and growth continue to define my artistic presence today.”
For the showcase in Greenwich, CT, the gallery owner aimed to immerse visitors in a vibrant palette of colors. Juarez, drawing inspiration from his Puerto Rican mother and Mexican father, often creates artwork with a tropical aesthetic. Interestingly, these vibrant pieces are crafted even in the midst of winter in his Canaan, NY studio, where snow-covered landscapes abound. Juarez attributes this paradox to his response to memory and the desire to infuse his work with colorful imagery. In an interview with Edward J. Sullivan, he elaborates on this aspect – robertojuarezstudio.com.
V.P. Era: Bridging Geometry and Spirituality
The latest exhibition also showcases artworks from the artist’s V.P. era, featuring paintings inspired by the Vesica Piscis—a symbol believed to connect geometry and spirituality. Revered throughout history in diverse cultures and religions for its role in sacred geometry, the Vesica Piscis shapes hold a captivating significance. Executed in oil on wood, Juarez arranges circles in a diagonal line across the canvas. In these pieces, he perceives the shapes formed by intersecting circles as a symbolic representation of the eye of God.
During his recent invitation to showcase his work in honor of the 50th anniversary of Time & Space Limited, a not-for-profit arts organization in the Hudson River Valley Region, Juarez shared his perspective on art creation and its ongoing evolution. “The sanctuary I envision through my art is a space where unexpected occurrences unfold, where ancient stories entwine with contemporary experiences, and where the audience can actively engage, almost dancing with the paintings,” expresses Juarez. “My intention is to encourage viewers to connect with the rich cultural tapestry of human history and the limitless possibilities of creativity.”
About the Gallery
In its tenth year in Greenwich, Connecticut, C. Parker Gallery stands as a comprehensive art gallery and consultancy. Recognized with the Best of Greenwich Award and Best of the Gold Coast Award, the gallery proudly represents a diverse collection of traditional and contemporary artists. Boasting an extensive inventory of over 1,800 works from more than 70 artists, the gallery showcases a remarkable array of original paintings, prints, sculpture, and collectibles.
