|
Alvin
Gill-Tapia
Biographical Notes:
Born in Santa Fe, descendent from generations
of New Mexican ranchers, Gill-Tapia's many life
experiences have culminated in his current paintings:
THE MISSION SERIES.
A precocious talent in drawing, photography, weaving,
and ceramics opened the door for him, to a four
year long association with his mentor, Belgian weaver
and painter, Maud Henon. Myriad studio hours, artistic
guidance, and numerous trips to the studios and
museums of Brussels, Bruges, Amsterdam and Paris
while under her tutelage, further developed his
skills, and firmly planted him on this lifetime
path.
Ten years in New York City followed. Classes in
painting, drawing and anatomy from the masters at
The Art Student's League of New York, The New York
Academy, and the National Academy of Art. Gill-Tapia
served as monitor, as well as teaching classes to
both youths, and adults during this period. He later
maintained a studio in the city, taught privately
and showed at the Javit's Center, The Red Hook Gallery,
The Brooklyn Waterfront Society, and Soho's New
Century Artists.
Today, Gill-Tapia has returned to his native Sangre
de Christo mountains, and lives and paints in his
beloved Santa Fe. His Gallery, Red Dot Fine Art,
has represented numerous emerging regional and national
artists, and also served as a showcase for his multiple
talents.
His century old familiar roots, tracing back to
Madrid, bind him to those architectural traditions
of the great masterpieces of Hispanic indigenous
art: The Churches of rural New Mexico. He has photographed
and sketched them devotedly, eventually evolving
his present semi-abstract, yet three dimensional
style. For emphasis and contrast, he places these
often fragmentary, often complete images against
stark monochromatic skies.
Gill-Tapia's Statement:
"My Mission Series paintings are now the result
of thoughts and ideas which I have developed over
the last years. The Mission Churches of New Mexico
exert a tremendous influence and power over the
Hispanic communities which survive here. I try to
reflect that power in the monumentality of my compositions,
and the force and brilliance of my use of color."
Santa Fe, New Mexico, 2007
|
|
