Isben Espada (American, b. 1952), "Rigid Clowns VIII" mixed media on paper, signed and dated 1986 in pencil by the artist on the lower left of the work. A vibrant abstract gestural work in black on ivory paper by Latin American artist Isben Espada that demonstrates the influences of Graffiti Art as well as Abstract Expressionism. Espada, though born in the borough of Queens, New York actually grew up in Puerto Rico and was a protege of Ronaldo Lopez Dirube. After moving to Houston, Texas he continued his education at the Glassell School of Art under artist Dorothy Hood. In 1985, he made a splash in the "Fresh Paint" show at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston. Following this, his work was featured in the landmark exhibition and publication, "Hispanic Art in the United States: Thirty Contemporary Painters and Sculptors." Size: 17.5" L x 20.75" W (44.4 cm x 52.7 cm); 22.625" L x 26.125" W (57.5 cm x 66.4 cm) framed

The following is an excerpt from Espada's exhibition entitled "Reformulaciones" at the New Gallery, Houston, Texas (October 22 - November 26, 2011): "There is a strong tradition of abstract calligraphy in Hispanic Art in this country. Developed on the streets of urban America, it arose from a displaced culture seeking its own voice and place in this world through a visual language of personal identity. This is an art of mixed metaphors and blended languages, where the rhythms of the Subtropics meet the percussion of the subways of the North and the highways of the South and West. This visual dynamism was often first expressed on the walls of the inner cities in a form labeled "Graffiti Art." Mural painting also has had a long history in Latin America, especially during the revolutionary period of the Mexican masters.

This mixture of formalized and public art, together with the more spontaneous, informal gesture of graffiti and street art, became a moment of genesis for the young artist. And that, together with the pervasive influence of Abstract Expressionism, brought a fusion of influences together where the art of Ibsen Espada could develop, grow, and flourish."

Provenance: ex Allen Davis collection, Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA

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#131280

This work appears to be in excellent condition overall, but has not been examined out of the frame. There is a tiny chip on top edge of frame. Gallery paper on verso torn. Wired for suspension.