Isidoro-Filadelfo – Stories

Virtual Art Walk and Reception:
* August 13, 6:00 pm

Exhibition Dates:
* August 13–September 19

[Pictured: Angel; w10xh10xd8; bronze; 2006]

In-person viewing in Gallery 1337 and virtual exhibit

Curated by Nate Castillo: curator, gallery designer, artist

Stories is an intersection where the real and unreal meet, where history and legend collide, and where material embodies imagination. Using the language of clay and pigment, artist Isidoro-Filadelfo transforms historical events and cultural legends to retell and reform stories that exude expression and inspire viewers to discover their own stories.

Artist Statement:

“I represent fictional concepts and nonfictional events in my artwork to tell and inspire new stories. My ideas are taken from old legends as well as contemporary events.

Examples of fictional resources include the folk tale of La Llorona an old Mexican legend where the main character is a woman who suffers for love. In a different sculpture I use the mid evil tale of the Sirens, mythical creatures who used song to enchant and capture sailors on the open sea, never to return home.

Inspiration from nonfictional events range from tragedy to triumph. In one piece I present a sculpture inspired by the tragic moment when Hurricane Katrina caused 1,800 deaths, $125 billion in damage, and flooded New Orleans for more than three months. In this piece I show the beauty and raw power of nature. Another sculpture is about the surfing contest in Half Moon Bay at Mavericks, when big-wave surfers gather. In Mavericks Wipe-Out, I tell the story of those intrepid individuals who risk their lives for the passion of their hearts by portraying a very determined man who looks forward without fear. Inside his head I represent the ocean, and on his breast I show the waves.

My artwork also explores the point where legend and history collide. The diptych Quetzalcoatl recognizes how legend can play an important role in history: the conquest of Mexico 1519. The Quetzalcoatl legend tells of a god who will return for his people. This legend influenced the decisions of the elders, which lead to the tragic outcome of the Spaniards conquering the Aztecs. Here, the spectator can understand the importance of the outlook of life and history.

In these pieces and in my art work I tell stories that are real and unreal. These stories are for people to see and understand how a historical event or a tale can inspire art and how an idea is transformed into an artistic form. From this form the viewer can discover my intentions and their own stories.”

Isidoro-Filadelfo was born in Oaxaca, Mexico in 1965. From an early age, he loved to draw. In 2005 at the age of 40, he began his formal art training under the instruction of Emily Lazarre at the College of Marin in Kentfield, CA. Isidoro had his first solo show in 2007 at College of Marin Student Center. He continues to enjoy critical acclaim for his uniquely bold take on figurative realism. He lives and works in San Rafael, California.

Isidoro is the 2020–2021 The EACH Foundation Studio Artist Resident. Generously funded by the EACH Foundation, the residency aims to support emerging artists by providing free studio space, exhibition opportunity, and exposure to the public for one year.