Groundbreaking Latino Artist Fred Villanueva Celebrates Mid-Career Retrospective at Latino Cultural Center, Dallas
Co-founder of the national award winning Ash Studios, multidisciplinary public artist Fred Villanueva presents “Las Trayectorias 93-23/ Trajectories 93-23” which weaves together works from three decades of artmaking alongside new site-specific installations.
DALLAS (January 4, 2024) — A revelatory exhibition, Las Trayectorias 93-23/ Trajectories 93-23, spanning three decades of work by artist Fred Villanueva is on display at the Latino Cultural Center, Dallas. Fred Villanueva, best known as the co-founder of the Black/Latinx social practice project Ash Studios, has inspired, mentored, and collaborated with hundreds of Latino artists in North Texas since 2012. This is the first mid-career retrospective for the artist, and brings into focus his nationally recognized contemporary art studio practice which is the backbone for the public artworks Villanueva is known for.
Open to the public at no cost, the exhibition runs through March 1st, with an opening reception January 27th form 6-8 p.m.
An artist ahead of his time, Fred Villanueva’s works explore Latino Identity, Politics, Consumerism, Spirituality and Ritual, Abstraction, and the role of the artist in society. The artist will be displaying a myriad of mediums including installations, paintings, prints, sculpture, conceptual art, and abstraction. “The object of desire is freedom, which is the ultimate goal of artistic creativity,” says Villanueva.
For those who know Villanueva’s murals under Sylvan/30 underpass or public sculpture in Rainbow Estates neighborhood of the City of Garland, this exhibition will showcase the vibrant studio practice of the artist.
“‘Although there are many forms of creativity in Villanueva’s art practice, none has been more personal than his studio practice. Though the artist is engaged in public art, muralism, social practice and community art practice, it is through his studio practice that the artist continuously discovers the source of energy with which to power art for others.” says Gerardo Robles, manager of the Latino Cultural Center.
Villanueva, a native of Oak Cliff, Texas studied art under the great Latino maestro Roberto Munguia and graduated from Booker T. Washington School of the Performing and Visual Arts. After graduation Villanueva studied at the storied San Francisco Art Institute, and then continued in studies of art and archeology in Mexico, Spain, Europe, Japan, and New York City. In 2008, Villanueva was commissioned to create a mural commemorating the papal visit of Pope Benedict XVI to New York City and Washington, D.C. His works reflecting on spiritual life have led to commissions by the Archdiocese of New Orleans, Cistercian Preparatory School, and shows at the Museum of Biblical Art.
In 2012, Fred Villanueva co founded the art space/social sculpture Ash Studios, a Black/Latino space in South Dallas alongside artist Darryl Ratcliff. Villanueva has worked with over 1,000 artists of color in North Texas, from community members, high school students, college students, graduate students, and professional artists. In 2016, Ash Studios won Best Gallery or Artspace at D Magazine’s annual Best Of Dallas awards, and Villanueva has been selected for numerous grants awards by the City of Dallas’s Office of Arts and Culture.
The impact that Villanueva has had on the North Texas community and beyond is immense. This timely exhibition will showcase that his success is the result of a never-tiring mind and creative vision, always open to experiment with new forms and ideas that address the issues of contemporary life, whether they be spiritual or political. The art world has finally caught up with Fred Villanueva, and people of all ages will delight in celebrating this pivotal collection of work.
Las Trayectorias 93-23/ Trajectories 93-23
January 27th through March 1, 2024
Latino Cultural Center, Dallas
2600 Live Oak Street
Tuesday – Saturday: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Sunday – Monday: Closed
About Fred Villanueva
Fred Villanueva (b. 1973-) creates large scale paintings, sculptures, and time-based installations. His work combines images with abstract and figurative styles. Fred has exhibited in New York City, across the USA, Madrid, Spain, Rotterdam, The Netherlands, and more recently at the New Orleans Museum of Art, Delurk Gallery North Carolina, Mary Tomas Gallery Dallas, Artes de La Rosa Cultural Center in Fort Worth, and the Dallas Latino Cultural Center.
About the Latino Cultural Center
The mission of the Latino Cultural Center is to serve as a regional catalyst for the preservation and development of Latino and Hispanic arts and culture through varied exhibitions, bilingual public programs, educational activities, festivals and special events. Equity and diversity are cornerstones in the center’s vision while encouraging communication that supports and promotes local artists and arts organizations while nurturing knowledge and growth within the Dallas community. The Latino Cultural Center is a division of the City of Dallas Office of Arts and Culture and a member of the Dallas Art Dealers Association.
About Office of Arts and Culture, City of Dallas
The City of Dallas Office of Arts and Culture (OAC), a division of the City Manager’s Office, fosters support, partnerships, and opportunities for Dallas residents, visitors, artists, and arts and cultural organizations. The Director of Arts and Culture, Martine Elyse Philippe, is responsible for the implementation of the City’s cultural policy and programs. The director reports to the Assistant City Manager for Neighborhood Quality of Life. The Office of Arts and Culture works to enhance the vitality of the city and the quality of life for all Dallas residents by creating an equitable environment wherein artists as well as arts and cultural organizations thrive; people of all ages enjoy opportunities for creative expression; and all celebrate our multicultural heritage.
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
