Gonzalez Brings a New Cartoon-Influenced Style to His Illustrations for a Philosophy Text
May exhibition at Brookline Arts Center gallery features new take on philosophers’ stories.
April 7 - 25, 2008, Opening Reception: Friday, April 11, 6 - 8 p.m.
Somerville-based artist Raul Gonzalez has found an enthusiastic audience in the greater Boston art scene for his unique self-taught drawing style that is based in the tradition of comics and graphic novels. Now, his drawings for a new philosophy book will form the basis for a one-man exhibition entitled Philosophical Tales in the Brookline Arts Center gallery from April 29 to May 23, 2008.
“Raul read the book, and found the most striking stories that the philosophers used to explain their ideas,” explains curator and BAC Executive Director Susan Navarre. “I love the moody blacks and the slightly twisted perspective that Raul uses to convey the dramatic importance of the stories.”
“When you think about it, the philosophers described certain experiences in order to convey new ideas about the nature of our world and the human condition. In his drawings, Gonzalez reinvests the scenes with their original excitement and intellectual drama.”
Originally a native of El Paso, Texas, Gonzalez moved to Boston eight years ago. As part of the artists’ collective The Miracle5, he has exhibited his work at the Rhys Gallery, the Essex Art Center, Somerville’s ArtBeat Festival and Brookline Open Studios. He is also exhibiting a series of work about Mexican boxing legend El Chango Verde at the New England Gallery of Latin American Art during May and June.
Philosophical Tales is on view at the Brookline Arts Center, 86 Monmouth Street, Brookline, from Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Admission is free and open to the public. There will be a closing reception with the artist on Friday, May 23, 2008 from 6 to 8 p.m. For more information, call 617-566-5715 or visit www.brooklineartscenter.com. The reception and exhibition are wheelchair accessible.
