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Rubén Galicia: Colors Without Any Rules
By Eduardo Barraza
BARRIOZONA
November 14, 2006
Rubén Galicia’s art displays aspects of Mexican culture, and projects as well a contemporary perspective of an emerging
Latino art within the context of the Southwest. His paintings stand out for the richness and intensity of their colors. His
pictorial work evokes dreams and metaphors in which both simple elements and enigmatic symbols are recreated,
inspiring reflection and captivating the eyes. He was born in Mexico City (April 10, 1967.) His mother is from the state of
Guanajuato, and his father was from Mexico City. He is the second of five children: two brothers and two sisters. They
came to the United States in 1986.
BARRIOZONA: How did Rubén Galicia begin as an artist?
Rubén Galicia: I began painting since I was a child, because I liked to transform and to create, but I never did anything
seriously. About seven years ago, I began to draw and paint. I enjoyed it so much that I told myself I would paint for the rest
of my life, and so be it I hope.
BARRIOZONA: What do you try to express through your paintings?
Rubén Galicia: Through my paintings I express human feelings going from love, to sadness, to hate I also manifest in
them the actions that we as human beings do against our planet and mankind.
BARRIOZONA: Why do you use such vibrant colors in your creations?
Rubén Galicia: Latin American culture is rich in color. We use colors without following any rules, and we use them in our
homes, our clothing, and food, just to mention a few. It is part of our Latino soul; I personally believe color is in my genetic
code.
BARRIOZONA: What is the underlying meaning of the symbolism in your paintings?
Rubén Galicia: As I mentioned before, I express feelings and emotions using symbols that I create, and I complement
them with images of our culture. At the same time, I try to give it a contemporary stroke, thus blending the ancient with the
new.
BARRIOZONA: What are the challenges and advantages that you encounter as a Mexican artist in the
U,S.?
Rubén Galicia: As an artist the challenge is with myself, to improve in each painting; advantages, there are many. People
perceive me in a different way; as a Mexican who is different. And just as a Mexican, no comment; one only has to read the
newspapers to find out what concept the majority of the Anglo people have about us. Not everybody has a bad concept
about us. I have many Anglo friends who appreciate me and who I appreciate.
www.rubengalicia.com
Copyright © 2006-2008 Hispanic Institute of Social Issues
Grassroots Journalism
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Interview with a promising Mexican artist.