Rogelio Manzo

 

Bio

Statement

As an artist I've been relentless in my pursuit to the inner story of a person through a physical portrait. Where most strive for a mirror reflection in their art I demand more on my work to unearth the story below the surface. A portrait can reach deep inside and expose the secret stories and identity of its sitters. Brushstrokes reveal their attitude; light is transformed into a truth seeker and texture can reveal the emotional angst or happiness of its subjects. Overall my intention is to expose the viewer to a visceral discourse concerned with of our own bodily integrity and mortality.


Process

My approach, when it come to process, is to be as pragmatic as I can be, which has allowed me to discover and merge different materials and techniques to incorporate them in my work. I spent my childhood and younger years in Mexico, when I had opportunity I used to go visit artisans to their shops, and in my younger years I traveled to some of Mexico's major art crafts producers states like Michoacan, Oaxaca, and the central Mexican valley, there I visited several shops of recognized artisans, and was inspired by the richness and variety of techniques, color and textures they fearlessly use, their passion to make materials look "hand made" has deeply influenced my concept of what an art piece should look like.

The process is relatively complex and it has taken me quite some time to be able to understand the materials I use. The pieces are done over a pre-manufactured resin panel which comes in a standard size of 48"x 96", and in various thicknesses ,colors and designs. I look for panels which allow me to layer oil paint, image transfers, laser or inkjet prints or a combination of all, on both the front and the back surfaces to create depth and provide a place for light to play. I work my way through the panels by altering its original size and finish, I use varnishes to create transparency or sanding for dullness, depending on what I want to accomplish. All this play with back and front of the panel is to try to distort the image and play with the viewer's visual experience. I sometimes, especially in larger pieces, I have to cut into little squares the print to be able to handle the transferring process by hand. The face and body are mainly done with oil paint, but sometimes would combine materials here too. I build up a visual effect reminiscent of flesh and bones , through a wet-and-dry-layer-after-layer process, and mixing techniques tendencies of the classic masters like sfumato and chiaroscuro to create drama and a realistic effect. I sometimes would also paint some of the garments on front to play with the visual experience of the piece.


Education

  • 1996-2001

    • School of Architecture, Instituto Tecnologico de Colima

  • 1998-2000

    • Escuela de Arte Juan, Arrua (Juan Arrue Art Academy). Under the instruction of El maestro, Rafael Heredia, Colima Mexico.

SELECTED EXHIBITION HISTORY

  • 2011

    • Visceral Discourse (two person show), Artbox Gallery; Indianapolis, IN.
    • The X Rated Show, Skinner Howard Contemporary; Sacramento, CA.
    • AIDS, Evolve Gallery; Sacramento, CA

  • 2010

    • Looted (solo show), Skinner/Howard Contemporary; Sacramento, CA.
    • California State Fair Fine Arts Show; Sacramento, CA.

  • 2009

    • Off The Grid, Skinner Howard Contemporary Art Gallery; Sacramento, CA.
    • Emergent Art, Goyart International, Sala APP Goya, Zaragoza, Spain.
    • Europe Meets America, Seyhoun Gallery; W. Hollywood, CA.
    • The Fifth Continent, Civic Centre Barceloneta, Barcelona, Spain.
    • beArt/CABE and Arteria, Monzon Huesca, Spain.
    • Crocker Museum Art Auction, Sacramento, CA.
    • BIRD, Tangent Gallery, Sacramento, CA.
    • The 75th Crocker-Kingsley California's Biennial, Tsakopoulos Galleria Sacramento, CA.

  • 2008

    • Forced Portraits (solo show), GLC; Sacramento, CA.

  • 2007

    • Gestures of the Skin (solo show), Salon 701; Sacramento, CA.
    • California State Fair Fine Arts Show, Sacramento, CA. Received Award of Excellence.

  • 2005

    • Solo show, Phoenix Gallery; Sacramento, CA.
    • Phoenix Gallery; Sacramento, CA.

COLLECTIONS

  • Mrs. Claire Carlevaro, The Art Exchange; San Francisco, CA.
  • Mr. Don Margolis and Mrs. Janet Edson; Davis, CA.
  • Mr. Steve Nowicki and Mrs. Kelly McDonald; Davis, CA.
  • Mr.Patrick Whitnell; Sacramento, CA.
  • Mr. Michael Ang; San Francisco, CA.
  • Mr.Juan Carlos Garcia; Sacramento, CA.
  • Mrs. Pamela Skinner; Sacramento, CA.
  • Mr. Robin Dewey; Sacramento, CA.
  • Mr. Gwena Howard; Sacramento, CA.
  • Mr. Gilberto Martinez; Sacramento, CA.
  • Mr. John Robinson, Compicom Inc.; Sacramento, CA.
  • Mr. John Stevenson, Trumpette Inc.; Sacramento, CA.