Rodrigo Valles Jr. - "Love Letters to Stress and Adaptation, No One Expected the Unexpected, 2024

"Love Letters to Stress and Adaptation, No One Expected the Unexpected"
By Rodrigo Valles Jr.

Rodrigo Valles Jr. masterfully blends Mexican iconography with the urban energy of New York City in this striking portrayal of La Catrina. Set against the dazzling spectacle of Times Square, this piece captures a moment of quiet defiance and contemplation. Her poised expression—both intrigued and unimpressed—reflects a personal history that has shaped her resilience. The interplay of oil, colored pencil, and acrylic on unprimed canvas creates a raw yet vibrant texture, emphasizing the contrast between tradition and modernity. At 64 x 60 inches, the painting commands attention, embodying the spirit of a figure prepared to face whatever lies ahead.

As an added layer of intrigue and insight, Rodrigo repurposes lyrics from hip-hop music as titles for his works. In their new context as artwork titles, they gain new or expanded meaning that convey the thoughts and emotions integral to his paintings. "Love Letters to Stress and Adaptation, No One Expected the Unexpected" speaks to the tension between struggle and perseverance, perfectly aligning with the subject’s determined gaze in the midst of a chaotic urban landscape