|
|
Ad Code: 4
|
An example of work by James Cordova
Artwork images are copyright of the artist or assignee
|
|
|
Biography from The Owings Gallery:
| James Cordova's strength as an artist lies not only in his talent to
create award-winning Santos (sacred images of Catholic saints, God,
Mary and Christ), but in his deep and passionate research into the history of his artistic tradition.
Cordova nurtured his artistic talent early, while still in his teens. Inspired
by a visit in 1988 to Santa Fe's Traditional Spanish Market, he set
out on a path that has become his life's work. Visiting other Santero
studios and learning from older artists is how the artistic tradition
of Santo making has been and is passed down to the next generation. He
began his tutelage in an informal manner with the santero, Ruben
Montoya. Further inspiration and education came in the studios of Ramon
Jose Lopez and Charlie Carrillo.
While he has devoted considerable time to his art, he spends just as
much time delving into the history of traditional New Mexican art and
Latin American Art in general. Receiving an undergraduate degree in Art
History from New Mexico State University and his first masters degree
from Seton Hall University, Cordova is now completing the PhD program in
Latin American Art History at Tulane University in New Orleans,
Louisiana. The New Mexican Santos he creates are enhanced and informed
by the research he does as a student. Additionally, his studies
in New York, Spain and Mexico have furthered his understanding of the
Santero tradition and its context in the broader world of Latin
American Art.
James Cordova's style bridges the traditional and modern. He uses only
traditional, natural materials in his works, carving and painting
Santos, as they have been created since the mid-19th century. While the
iconography is traditional, he incorporates more modern motifs and,
at times, unconventional compositions into his work. This juxtaposition
allows him to explore the boundaries of his artistic tradition.
Currently, Cordova divides his time between Santa Fe and New Orleans.
EXHIBITIONS
1991 First Place, Retablos, Children's Catagory
1992 Bienvenidos Award, Bulto
1993 Hispanic Heritage Award, Bulto
1995 First Place, Retablos
1996 S.C.A.S. Purchase Award, Retablo
1998 First Place, Retablos
1998 Archbishop's Award
1998 City of Santa Fe,
Mayor's Award for Excellence in the Arts, Emerging Artist
2000 State of New
Mexico, Secretary of State Award for contributing to New
Mexico's quality of life through the arts
2003 Bultos en Nicho, Second Place
|
| ** If you discover credit omissions or have additional information to add, please let us know at registrar@AskART.com. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|