How does art keep you going during difficult times?
Art is what always sustained me as a person & as an artist. We have ups & downs in life, economic difficulties, etc. Being a Cuban in exile, uprooted from my country were difficult times which made me adapt, persevere & have faith. To me, art keeps me grounded & engaged with reality.
How has your art practice been affected by self-isolation? In my case, to create art you have to be in isolation. I guess most artists are surrounded by 4 walls - isolation allows you to think, meditate & create ideas. This kind of isolation due to the virus which effects us all collectively in many ways besides being physically impacted we are also affected psychologically. Right now I have a series of paintings addressing the virus (covid19) like I did with the Aids epidemic (HIV) back in the ‘80s.
How are you staying creative?
For me, art is a necessity. I always stay creative - that’s why I make sure to have extra materials & art supplies on hand in my studio in case of a sudden event that may stop you form making art: you may not have the means to acquire the materials necessary - like at this moment. I’m never without materials. When I sell a work, part of the money goes towards materials. Might be a psychological factor for me--the importance of having supplies abundant at all times.
Luis Cruz Azaceta Floating Head, 2008 Acrylic, chacoal, shellac on canvas "94x95.5"
Are you creating new work while social distancing?
The galleries are the ones facing social distancing at this point.
Who are some other artists you are moved by right now?
For me the artist that always keeps me going is Picasso - his endless energy & passion. To me, the greatest humanist is Jose Clemente Orozco.
How are you staying in touch with your community or supporting other artists?
I’ve supported many artists by writing recommendations for grants. The young artists I try to encourage them to have perseverance, discipline & tenacity.
What work of art in your home means the most to you?
FLOATING HEAD, 2008 - is a painting that I’ve had in my living room for the past two years. Its a head (self-portrait) surrounded by the devastation of Hurricane Katrina. In New Orleans people suffered, lost their lives, homes, jobs & were displaced. This tragedy brings to mind the suffering within the horrific pandemic we’re experiencing now. The unexpected that shakes us to our core.
Luis Cruz Azaceta River Flow I, 2008 Acrylic, charcoal on canvas 98 × 95 1/2 in
Luis Cruz Azaceta Pandemic 3, 2020 Acrylic on canvas 72h x 96w in