May 5, 2020
There is magic in the mundane. When mixed with the every-day, our imagination can flourish to parts unknown. No one embodies this belief more than artist Armando Adrian-Lopez.
Hailing from Santa Maria Michoacan village in the south west of Mexico, Adrian-Lopez has an artistic history steeped in the mystical. Now living in Abiquiu, New Mexico, he creates using materials from his own organic farm. Not only are his methods sustainable, but they lend themselves to the magic-in-the-mundane ideologies present in his work.
The mystical feminine features prominently in Adrian-Lopez’s work. To quote the artist from an interview with Mandy Sajac,
“My paintings always are women. … I grew up with women—my mother and four sisters. My mother had only one brother and six sisters, so it really was a world of women. I grew up in a little village in Mexico, and I know the stories of all these women.”
If we look closely at En Busca Del Paraiso (Looking for Paradise), a more recent work, we can see this aspect front and center.
Figure 2 En Busca Del Paraiso by Armando Adrian-Lopez
The woman on the horse holds the moon in her hands. This can symbolize many things; the divine feminine, the cyclical nature of both womanhood and humankind. Her optimistic gaze, which is directed off-frame, gives us a hope for the future as well as the unknown.
We can also see a pair of feet, either lying or levitating in the grass. This image can be both ominous and welcoming. Is the person sleeping? Are they deceased? We do not know, and so we focus on what could be.
This aspect is incorporated into Maria del Alva as well.
Figure 3 Maria del Alva by Armando Adrian-Lopez
Here, the woman is wearing a crown of what looks like calla lilies. Her soft, empathetic gaze lingers on a small bird. There is something fantastic in her softness, mysticism permeating her vulnerability. There’s nothing otherworldly or high-fantasy about these pieces. And yet, you can feel the magic emanating from them.
When seeking an infusion of magic in your own life, take a note from Adrian-Lopez and simply look around you. We are sure you’ll find it right where you are.
SOURCES:
Adrian-Lopez, Armando. “Recent Work of Armando Adrian-Lopez.” Armandolopez.com, armandolopez.com/.
Zajac, Mandy. “5 Questions with Tempe Arts Festival’s Armando Adrian-Lopez.” Ahwatukee Foothills News, 28 Nov. 2014, www.ahwatukee.com/news/valley_and_state/article_d513b546-1c97-553b-9820-be1a9afb88e6.html?fbclid=IwAR1_t8saHHoiCgt1FXOitS4zKrHEOeLHCylIXoQvDQvpkF78w5IMzhFFKwU.