Valley of Tears by Adlolfo Sanchez

 

SWAMPSPACE GALLERY - PRESS RELEASE 11/10/2023

VALLEY OF TEARS - PAINTING BY ADOLFO SANCHEZ OPENS IN THE DESIGN DISTRICT

Opening Reception: December 4th 5-9pm

December 2023 - January 2024

Swampspace present in memoriam the major formative work by Adolfo Sanchez Cuban American painter (1957-1990).

Valley of Tears is a monumental tribute to Mexican Foto Novelas of the 1970’s. The montage of ten lurid canvases is a mediation on popular culture rendered skillfully by Sanchez in the mid 1980's before succumbing to Aids.  

Swampspace presents this seminal work In tandem with Spinello Projects Gay Era series of Solo Exhibitions celebrating figurative works by painters in the prime of their development. 

Adolfo Rene Sanchez was a Cuban-American painter who died from AIDS related complications in 1990 at the age of 31 in New York City. Adolfo moved to NY from Miami Florida in 1977 to attend the Fashion Institute of Technology. He worked as an illustrator for publications such as Essence, Conde-Nast and other major periodicals. With a natural gift for realism and figurative painting, he also worked as a portrait artist. His circle of friends grew to include fellow artists Bruno Schmidt, Kenny Scharf, Keith Haring, Tseng Kwong Chi in the Downtown 80’s art scene. His work was exhibited at Art Mart Gallery in the East Village, Barbara Gladstone Gallery, Gracie Mansion, Holly Solomon, Bacardi Miami and others. The work gained value with  positive reviews in ArtForum by critic Dan Cameron as well as by inclusion in public and private collections such as Margulies Collection. Adolfo had an active social life and enjoyed frequenting dance clubs such as Paradise Garage, Danceteria and Club 57. His gentle empathetic demeanor, congenial nature and talent as a painter quickly gained him accolades from his peers. Adolfo drew inspiration from latin culture, popular film, celebrity and literature. Sanchez’s artwork is in the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art MoMA in NYC. 

Swampspace was founded in 2008 in the Miami Design District as an alternative art space presenting varied cultural events for the novice and seasoned art enthusiasts.  

Spinello Projects is a Miami-based contemporary art program founded in 2005. It is a gallery, creative space and and innovative platform for nomadic, site-specific and curatorial projects.  

Contact: swampstyle@gmail.com