L'Enfant Gallery - Fine Art Paintings, Asian Art, Antiques

Mexican Artist Ernesto Alcantara Abstract circa 1965 13” x 17”

Mexican Artist Ernesto Alcantara Abstract circa 1965 13” x 17”


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Directory: Fine Art: Paintings: Oil: Pre 1970: Item # 1437784

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Bio: Ernesto Alcántara (1933 - 2019) created a vast body of work along many themes: volcanoes, the Sierra Gorda, seascapes, landscapes, nudes, still life works, travel sketches, political satire, fairy tales drawn for his daughter, characters, with Sor Juana, Don Quixote, and Rembrandt being predominant.   His techniques include oil on linen, prepared by him in his studio with rabbit glue, linseed oil, and tempera; engravings on copper or zinc using burin, dry point, etching, or soft ground; fountain pen drawings on Arches or Fabriano paper, sometimes even on a menu, a concert program, a tablecloth, or a napkin; sculpture in wood, cement, clay, or bronze; frescoes; mechanical clocks in wood or cement; charcoal and conte drawings; inks; watercolors; mixed media that sometimes included sand from the same painted sea.   The discovery of oil as a painting combined with his ability to blend pigments with impasto made oil painting a technique he excelled in. The use of ‘lead white’ or ‘silver white’ as an element to highlight brightness, chromatic return, and texture was extensively developed and used, with the great 17th Century painter Rembrandt leading the way. The use of white was an essential pillars to the teachings of Master Luis Nishizawa who lectured Alcántara in the Technique of Materials at the Academy of San Carlos.  The alchemy and use of varnishes and glazes, clarifying oils and turpentines were explored in his works. Alcántara's continued his interest in the use of the purest of whites in varying shades and white became a common thread in his work through his career.   The generation that preceded Alcántara were known in Mexico as the ‘Rupture Generation’ and made a significant impact on the Mexican art scene through mural painting and nationalism. Artists with differing and even opposing approaches to the established art forms began to emerge, challenging the traditional muralist style and the customs that had hindered the growth of previous generations.   In 1949, the Salón de la Plástica Mexicana was established, which was under the auspices of National Institute of Fine Arts and Literature. This organization had renowned visual artists among its members and became a fertile ground for artistic revolution. Artists who shared common characteristics started to group together, gradually becoming a prominent reference in Mexican modern art. These artists formed a philosophy where painting was the essence of their commitment to life, rather than a means for achieving fame or commercial success. Ernesto Alcántara remained a loyal supporter this ethos; a principle that is now on the verge of being endangered.   The life and work of Alcántara was described by his daughter as “more than a formative painter; he is a multidisciplinary artist: architect, sculptor, luthier, illustrator, designer, chemist, chef, friend, teacher, comrade in both won and lost battles, and an excellent conversationalist”.   She goes on to describe the family home: “Nestled in the Desierto de los Leones, in the village of Santa Rosa Xochiac, up the long road to the famous Carmelite convent, one would arrive at the Alcántara family's home, a journey that was neither easy nor quick. Back then, you would pass through cornfields and coniferous forests, where people greeted you, whether they knew you or not. The atmosphere in the house and among its inhabitants exuded a positive vibe. Even "El Tiempo," their famous dog, a short-legged but long-lived philosopher, who roamed and participated in gatherings, radiated the same good energy. Meals, coffees, and drinks turned into grand gatherings and gatherings, where all participants were sensitive, intelligent, sharing, selfless people who contributed their knowledge and experiences to anyone present. Anecdotes and experiences revolved around knowledge and aesthetics. Whether they were famous and illustrious figures or unknown and simple actors in life, everyone shared their thoughts on everyday aesthetic principles without expecting speeches or lessons. The Alcántara family shared their home with great names: painters, writers, poets, harpsichord builders, musicians, outstanding performers, and various artists, all of whom left with valuable insights. Between good drinks and Irma's fabulous cooking, one would leave filled with ideas mixed with projects and dreams, with recharged batteries. Groups or individuals, famous or anonymous, artists with or without resources, young, old, adults, came to socialize, chat, learn, listen, see, admire, drink, eat, contribute, or simply have a delightful and delicious time.”   Thank you for the information shared with us by Ernesto Alcántara’s daughter, the artist and photographer  @martirene_alcantara (https://www.instagram.com/martirene_alcantara/) whose work is held in the MoMA permanent collection. See www.martirene.com (https://l.instagram.com/?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.martirene.com%2F&e=AT12sq49cApMstxJLTJycYE8DaUqyiEfvHCVXXGRwta34htmg9rfZd3qsJlLeJS__Nr