Continuing the Art of Play
November 3, 2021
Artist: José Lerma
Join Zoom Meeting / Class
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87618016665
“The idea is that you could be a child and enjoy my works,” says Lerma, “but also as an adult for completely different reasons.”
— José Lerma
About the artist
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José Lerma was supposed to be a radiologist. As the Puerto Rico-born son of two doctors, who were also first-generation college students, his parents had specific expectations. He studied political science and even began law school, but he couldn’t fight a consuming passion for painting. Today, Lerma’s work, which combines politics and humor, is recognized internationally. He has taught at SAIC for 10 years and is chair of the Painting and Drawing department. via SAIC
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Currently an Associate Professor at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, where he has taught since 2009. He has had over twenty solo exhibitions at galleries such as Kavi Gupta in Chicago, IL (2020, 2017, 2014), Galerie Xavier Hufkens in Brussels, Andrea Rosen Gallery in New York, NY (2014, 2010, 2006, 2004), and at museums such as the Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit (2014), and the Museum of Contemporary Art in Chicago (2013) His works are represented in numerous collections, including The Saatchi Collection in London, the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, and the Whitney Museum of American Art.
Warm-up:
Let's take a look at Lerma's black and white ink portrait drawings. Find a photo; it may be of yourself, a family member, a political figure, a celebrity, and on and on. I think even a picture of a pet might make a fun study in a black and white drawing. Please pay attention to Lerma's bold lines, patterns, and simplified design of his portraits.
Materials:
- pen and ink
- brush and ink
- black acrylic paint
- black marker
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Project:
During the project time, we will focus on the colorful portrait paintings of Lerma.
You may choose to depict a face completely deconstructed and represented with large thick areas of paint and subtle color or investigate the colorful and whimsical collage portraits created with cut paper. You may choose the same photo as your warm-up or try something different.
Black & White
Acrylic and Ink Portrait Painting, Black and White, Contemporary | 2021
José Lerma and Hector Madera, The Countess, 2012. Photo backdrop paper and glue; overall dimensions variable
José Lerma and Hector Madera
Installation view, The Creditalist, CAM Raleigh, 2012
Installation View of José Lerma, Ut Queant Laxis (August 14–September 11, 2021)
Nino Mier Gallery, Los Angeles, CA
Full Ana, 2021
Acrylic on burlap
32 x 24 in
Enrique Beanieverde, 2021
Acrylic on burlap
26 x 22 in
Carlos T, 2021
Acrylic on burlap
32 x 24 in
Señorito, 2020
Acrylic on canvas
18 x 14 in
"Portrait of Antonio Ulloa y de la Torre" and "Portrait of a Lady" are José Lerma's interpretations of anonymous works at the the Art Institute of Chicago.
PORTRAIT OF A WOMAN AND HER SON, 2020
Acrylic, construction grade silicone, burlap, on standard door
80 x 36 x 2 in
LA MADRILEÑITA, 2020
Acrylic, construction-grade silicone, burlap, on standard door
80 x 28 x 2 in
DAD, 2017
Acrylic on canvas
72 x 60 in
MOM, 2015
Acrylic and pigment silicone on canvas
72 x 60 x 3 in
Polypropylene sheets
EL PINGÓN, 2018
Acrylic, pigmented silicone, polypropylene sheets, on canvas
64 x 56 x 2 in
CHARLES II OF SPAIN, 2016
Pigmented silicone on polypropylene sheets
72 x 60 in
MARIA, 2017
Acrylic and pigmented silicone on polypropylene sheets on canvas
50 x 40 in
JOHN, 2017
Acrylic and pigmented silicone on polypropylene sheets on canvas
66 x 52 in
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