Meet Hugo Rivera

Today we’d like to introduce you to Hugo Rivera.

Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
I’m a contemporary, figurative artist. My childhood was shaped by the fact that I was born into an extremely creative family full of singers, musicians, craftsmen and painters. Not to mention that my father who was a topographer engineer always allowed me to use his working materials such as pencils, rulers and paper. My father always encouraged draw by buying me crayons, colored pencils and drawing paper. While studying civil engineering in Guadalajara, Mexico and not having too much time and space to paint I would paint on the walls of my bedroom; Since then I had a passion to paint on big surfaces. After graduating as Civil Engineer in Mexico I relocated to the United States and returned to my passion for fine art. In 1994 I started working as a muralist, I was commissioned numerous murals and decorative finishes in private residences, restaurants and churches, while I continued to paint on canvas in my spare time.

Please tell us about your art.
My art is abstract with some figure elements It is also colorful and full of texture. I’m a messy artist that likes to paint with models and ordinary people that I may find interesting. I start creating the form of the model then after I continue by myself creating something in a different direction ending in something very exciting. When I’m painting, I express the emotions that have, it is like dancing, some people consider me a performing artist, I let the energy that is flowing in me to continue flowing to the canvas and create this organized chaos. At the end the pieces have the energy and motion that life constantly has.

I love to work where there is people because I realize they enjoy the process and learn a little bit about it, some others get inspired and start painting right after they see me performing. The reason I always find myself in front of a canvas is for the necessity to expressing myself as an artist. The creative process is sometimes challenging, challenges are the most exciting part of the process and it becomes an obsession. I encourage artists to follow their passion and let them self the opportunity to grow.

What do you think about conditions for artists today? Has life become easier or harder for artists in recent years? What can cities like ours do to encourage and help art and artists thrive?
I feel sad when I hear that art is been removed from schools, art forms our creativity in life and is more necessary than so many other classes. Art is a way to grow spiritually socially and can be economically if we become serious about it. The city should open spaces to encourage new and old generations to grow for a very healthy society.

How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
I started exhibiting my art in 2009 in Laguna Beach at a local gallery for three years than in 2012 I opened my own gallery “Hugo Rivera Gallery” at 550 South Coast Hwy Laguna Beach CA where I represent other artists that like to start in the art business too. I’m a very approachable friendly person and I understand the existing necessity for open spaces to exhibit art. I encourage collectors to visit and collect not only my work but also my colleges art. We are passionate about art and this is the only way we can continue creating more art.a

Contact Info:

• Address: 550 South Coast Hwy Laguna Beach California 92651
• Website: www.hugoriveragallery.com
• Phone: 9492127876
• Email: hugorive7@gmail.com
• Instagram: hugoriveragallery
• Facebook: hugoriveragallery

Image Credit:
Hugo Rivera

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