Page 67 - Reader's House Magazine Issue 52

organic and geometric forms, Arechiga constructs layered commentaries on balance, conflict, and harmony within a world defined by its aspirations and exclusions.
Existential Ambiguity and Artistic Process
In discussing existential ambiguity, Arechiga describes it as a central theme in his work, articulated through
a deliberate formal and aesthetic in-betweenness. His backgrounds use representational structures to set mood and context, encouraging viewers to bypass the need for literal interpretation or understanding. This approach invites a visceral engagement, akin to connecting with the beauty and complexity of nature.
The artist’s exploration of subjects striving for balance without adhering to extremes is deeply rooted in his personal experiences as an immigrant in Los Angeles. This unique position has guided him through a rich tapestry of cultures, languages, and identities. Arechiga’s work reflects the complexities of existing between these influences, emphasizing representation nuances and quests for harmonious self-expression amidst contradicti- ons. His paintings become spaces for contemplation and emotional resonance, encouraging viewers to introspect on their own experiences of ambiguity and balance in a multifaceted world.
Tension Between Figuration and Abstraction
ctures’ life and worldly influences, encouraging critical engagement with governing systems and natural environ- ments for nuanced interconnectedness understanding.
Traditional “American Dream” and Disruption through Abstract Markings
Arechiga’s visual language draws inspiration from sleek mid-century modern archetypes central to mass advertising campaigns promising better life conditions, albeit serving a select societal segment by ethnicity and socioeconomic status. By echoing these aesthetic forms, Arechiga critiques narratives historically marginalizing certain groups while privileging others, inviting reflecti- on on aspirational and exclusion complexities embedded within allegedly promising structures.
Disrupting status quo marks a historical change catalyst, challenging norms to evolve societies. Through his work, Arechiga engages with this transformative idea, encouraging questioning of both visual elements and broader societal frameworks representation. He seeks
to inspire dialogues about inclusive future possibilities, ensuring better living conditions and opportunities acces- sible beyond backgrounds.
Challenging “Promised Land” Notions
Arechiga’s art challenges “promised land” concepts subtly and understatedly, not immediately apparent to viewers. His paintings use fabrics reflecting construction trade memories, highlighting overlooked worker contri- butions crucial to city building yet invisible in societal narratives.
These workers, often immigrants, confront systemic barriers denying them representation and recognition. The choice of materials reflecting their labor foregroun- ds their experiences and struggles, inviting viewers to confront prosperity-promised disparities against faced realities.
This approach serves as a societal narratives reminder surrounding labor and belonging, inviting engagement with promissory notions as nuanced realities comprising both aspiration and exclusion. Arechiga fosters intercon- nectedness understanding for acknowledging all societal contributors.
Dynamic Visual Experience: Gestural Markings and Structures Interplay
Through dynamic visual experiences, Arechiga
aims to establish formal and conceptual interpretation frameworks fostering reflection space for diverse ba- ckgrounds. His paintings act as mirrors, inviting personal engagement contributing meanings through viewers’ experiences and perspectives.
Art’s true success lies in its ability to evoke viewer change, even momentarily, within minds or hearts. Such fleeting connections serve as powerful change catalysts, triggering lingering thoughts and emotions beyond initial viewing. Arechiga sees these moments as significant, inf- luencing daily life and perceptions, fostering awareness and deeper shared human experiences.
By encouraging introspection, Arechiga hopes to ins- pire dialogues extending beyond his artwork, for ongoing reflections and world engagement.
Tension plays a crucial role in Arechiga’s art, aiming for dynamic push-and-pull challenges that disrupt com- fort levels in interpretation. Structures within his pieces are designed from varied perspectives, accommodating organic anthropomorphic forms resonating with natural structures. These interplay within sleek, hard-edged
Carlos Beltran Arechiga mas- terfully blends abstraction and figuration, inviting introspection and dialogue on complex cul- tural and environmental themes through his visionary art.
elements both complementing and contradicting the organic shapes.
The tension is thematic and formal, reflected in compositional choices incorporating marks and textures left on fabrics from previous uses, notably construction tarps involved in undo- cumented immigrant projects. These remnants add layers of meaning and history, fostering dialogue between past and present. Through this blending, Arechiga encourages viewers to confront perceptions of comfort and discomfort, engaging with identity, labor, and existence complexities in a self-conflicting world.
Exploration of Structures and Opportunities
Arechiga’s exploration of structures underscores observation and thoughtful consideration significance, encompassing societal frameworks—policies and infrast- ructures dictating access, representation, education, and investment—and natural structures subject to environ- mental justice degradation.
For societal structures, he reflects on policies creating barriers or gateways for marginalized communities. Educational institutions can either empower individuals or reinforce inequities based on resources and accessibi- lity. Similarly, infrastructure projects dictate investment flows into specific neighborhoods, shaping economic opportunities and community development.
Natural structures’ decline from pollution and climate change affects communities disproportionately, raising social and environmental justice urgencies. For instance, low-income neighborhoods may face industrial waste impacts or lack green spaces, exposing social-environ- mental intersections.
Arechiga’s dual perspective fosters awareness of stru-
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