Mantras, 2019

Leobardo Huerta  

Mixed-media Vintage photograph drawn on with pen and acrylic paint.  Image size: 15.75 in. H x 15 in. W.  Sheet size: 14 in. H x 11 in. W. 

This intriguing artwork employs mixed media to transform a vintage black-and-white photograph into a vibrant, surreal composition. The original serene image is disrupted by bold, colorful overlays on the faces, replacing their features with abstract shapes in vivid pinks and yellows. The patterns resemble tribal masks, adding a layer of mystery and playfulness. Their attire, subtly modified, contrasts with their unusual, eye-catching headdresses resembling bear ears with spiral motifs. Below the image, the word “MANTRAS” is inscribed in a dynamic, hand-painted style, suggesting an invocation of power or a transformative process. The piece blends nostalgic elements with avant-garde expression, inviting viewers to ponder the intersection of identity and tradition.

Leobardo Huerta creates priceless, unique pieces of art. His work is genuine documentation of the last and current century. The artist's work on vintage photos, portraits, marriages, and social events that he found at antique stores or at random town flea markets, he intervened them with different techniques such as pen, pencils, oil paint, collage, acrylic, Chinese ink, and other materials.