The only limit to the imagination is the one we sometimes put on ourselves. And when we think of a free imagination, full of color, of kaleidoscopic figures and shapes that catch the eye and provoke a sigh, it is inevitable to think of the work of Lucas Rise. The Argentine artist came to San Miguel de Allende to stay, creating monumental works on restored walls and furniture that come to life the second he places his refined brushes on the surfaces.
His talent and ability to turn any surface into a surreal portal to other dimensions have amazed us in every place where he has exhibited and where he has dedicated hours of meticulous work and effort. That tenacity and passion for his art is what has enchanted us, and that is why he is our protagonist of the July 2021 edition of Local SMA Guide.
The protagonist of LOCAL July 2021
We had the opportunity to exchange some thoughts with Lucas, to learn more about him and his work, and to understand how he has developed this innate talent and materialized it in countless pieces of furniture, murals, and practically any object that his imagination allows him. Read the interview here.
L: You mentioned earlier that you started painting at the age of 12. Where did this interest in painting come from?
LR: My first interest in painting was born around the age of 12 and that is where I began to make my first strokes in a letter painting workshop. This led me to learn and begin to paint with calligraphic brushes and oil paint, used for this craft, a painting style with large and long brush strokes; long and precise lines. This determined and affected my life since I use the same materials 30 years later, only I no longer paint letters. My visual perception and learning have been enriched.
L: Your work revolves around murals and furniture. Has it always been like this or how did you come to specialise in them?
LR: With a lot of support from my family, my parents were the first to give me my first can of paint and brush. And not only that, I was given the option of any wall to make a mural. At 12 I started with walls and at 16 I started with furniture, without knowing where this would take me. They were just my first contacts, both the wall and the furniture that, yes, have managed to remain strongly in my artistic life until today.
L: Your style is very distinctive, your fixation on geometry and patterns inevitably reminds us of Pedro Friedeberg. How would you define him and who has inspired you?
LR: The association with Pedro's work is valid, yes, we have things in common, we like works full of figures, we make use of repetition and the use of graphic style motifs. This is in relation to his pictorial work. What differentiates us is that his work has a more "optical" intention or purpose and mine is more "sensory". My work is more on the same level, Pedro's uses more leaks and emphasizes depths more.
My style is inspired by design in general, mostly works from tribes such as Fulani and Yoruba (Africa), and Huichol (Mexico). All traditional graphic expressions.
L: What has been the most challenging project in your career so far?
LR: A mural in Guadalajara, Jalisco. It was a 360-degree mural, all the walls in a spectacular work: 120 m2, thousands of lines.
L: Let’s talk about San Miguel… When did you arrive and what have you found here that you didn’t find anywhere else in Mexico or the world?
LR: I arrived in San Miguel de Allende in 2007. And since then I began to frequent and spend time in the city. Today I am permanently settled, home, studio and love. What attracted me to San Miguel perhaps from an artistic perspective, it seemed to me a town very connected with emotions and for an artist that is a wonderful place, since the artist is highly respected here. The magnificent work of Zeferino Gutiérrez. The parish. Incredible work! The La Aurora factory. They have also been very attractive emblems for me.
L: Tell us about your studio, is it open to visitors? Where can we see your works in San Miguel?
LR: The studio is a very productive place at the moment. Working on many pieces, it is a good time for visits. The studio can be visited by appointment, by writing me an email at lucasriseart@gmail.com. Also with an exhibition for you to visit at Sotheby's, Sollano 19. Centro.
L: Finally, what would you say to all those people who want to dedicate themselves to art, especially painting, but who don't find it easy?
LR: Start with the craft first. Don't worry so much about creating a work of art at the beginning. Nowadays there are online platforms for craft courses, I teach one in Domestic, by the way.
We thank Lucas for all the facilities for this edition of LOCAL. Visit his profile Instagram to learn more about his work and new projects.
Find LOCAL July 2021 in hotels, restaurants, concept stores, galleries and all the hotspots around San Miguel de Allende; and follow us on Facebook and Instagram to find out about new places and everything that's happening in the city. See you next time 'On the Cover'!
