Bolivian Dance group, Caporales San Simon performing in the gallery. Photo by Katherine Heath
The Herndon ArtSpace opened its doors the evening of June 9 to the public for their Artist Reception Mas Alla De Las Cavernas, the paintings of Bolivian artist, Fabricio Lara.
Dozens gathered to marvel at Lara’s paintings, which were created especially for this exhibit, as well as get a feel of Bolivian culture.
Besides showcasing over 20 of Lara’s acrylic paintings there was a spread of refreshments such as cheeses and sangria and a dance performance of Bolivian dancers, Caporales San Simon.
Lara’s paintings are designed to depict his culture through evoking the spirit of Andean myths found in cave paintings where figures of men, women, bulls, and horses were common subjects.
Lara said, "The close relationship between man and the stars is where my inspiration starts."
Lara’s paintings are mainly in the realm of abstract and his use of contrast and color inspires the viewer to see what they want from the painting.
Sandra Blake, local Herndon photographer said, "As I looked at all the paintings I tried to find the one that I could hang in my house and never tire of and when I saw the painting of the brown bull [acrylic painting On My Turf], I felt it was just timeless."
Fabricio Lara is the son of renowned artist, Gustavo Lara Torres and nephew of equally renowned Raul Lara Torres. He studied sculpture at the Universidad Mayor de San Andres in La Paz, Bolivia and started his career as an artist during the 1990s. Lara has held numerous solo exhibitions and has been part of many collectives both in his native Bolivia and abroad such as the Art International in New York, Arte BA in Buenas Aires, and Pintura Latino Americana in Copenhagen. Lara has received many first prizes and honorable mentions for his work in painting, drawing, and sculpture.
Lara will be teaching art at the local high school and has also agreed to paint some local icons of Herndon.
The exhibit will be open through July 8, for more information go to http://www.artspaceherndon.com/ or call 703-956-6590.