The Skyline gallery has seen many artists in its time, but for the month of November it will be awoken with two Latin artists that have a lot to say.
Paul Brindenbaugh is the mastermind behind putting the exhibit together. He has been an art professor here at Skyline for nine years and has worked as the art gallery director for the past four years.
Brindenbaugh has known artist Felix Lazo from back when they were attending Columbia University in New York together. Lazo is from Santiago, Chile, so after their time at Columbia they had kept in touch.
“We had a number of drawing classes together and (we) quickly became close friends,” said Brindenbaugh. “We have kept up our friendship long distance over the years, and in recent years (we) communicate on and off via email and Skype.”
Brindenbaugh also brought in another artist, Guillermo Galindo. The two had met three years ago at a party.
“We had a very intense conversation about art in general and about my work,” said Galindo.” He mentioned the possibility of putting together a show at Skyline gallery.”
Then the idea was brought about that the Lazo and Galindo should both be featured in the gallery.
“I didn›t hear from Paul for a while and I was not sure if this was still happening,” said Galindo. “I was very excited when he contacted me again and said everything was ready to go.”
That was last November and since then we have been planning and preparing the show.” Galindo went on saying.
Guillermo Galindo is from Mexico City, but has lived here for over 20 years. Much of his work reflects his culture.
“The first piece you see is a broken boat. It is cut in half and it hangs from the ceiling,” says Galindo. “It symbolizes my divided destiny and my broken identity. A divided destiny is not much different of all of those who cross the Rio Grande in search of a better life.”
Galindo relates the struggles of his culture to his art work. He is also a music composer, in which some of his compositions are featured in the gallery as well.
One piece called “Voces Del Desierto” is put together and made into instruments by belongings found left by immigrants at the United States and Mexican border.
The gallery coincidentally opened on Nov. 1, which is also the start or Dia De Los Muertos. Although Galindo didn’t intentionally reference any of his pieces to Dia De Los Muertos, his work does bring some remembrance to people that have passed away.
Galindo said “It must be a ‘Mexican’ thing.” his pieces do give fictional stories of immigrants, past and present.
“I also personally believe in synchronicity and it is not just a coincidence to have this show happening at this time of the year,” said Galindo.”Everything happens for a reason, and nothing is a coincident. The fact that Dia De Los Muertos was the time that the gallery had kicked off their exhibit may have been unintentional, the irony is still relevant.
Galindo is very proud of his work and should be, there are numerous amounts of messages that all pertain to his culture and life in general. The variety of art is plentiful as well. It is and honor to have these artists her at Skyline, and the gallery should be given a look through by as many students as possible. Galindo and Lazo’s work will be up until Nov. 30 in the Skyline gallery.
