![Visitors viewing one of the 34 artworks on display at Manuel Felguérez's solo exhibition [Photo: Zhang Zihan/GT]](U371P886T1D12201F12DT20120409145343.jpg "Visitors viewing one of the 34 artworks on display at Manuel Felguérez's solo exhibition [Photo: Zhang Zihan/GT]")
Visitors viewing one of the 34 artworks on display at Manuel Felguérez's solo exhibition [Photo: Zhang Zihan/GT]
Steel sculptures, oil paintings and engravings are some of the eclectic artworks by renowned Mexican artist Manuel Felguérez on show as part of his solo exhibition unveiled on March 23 at the Central Academy of Fine Arts (CAFA).
Jointly launched by the Mexican embassy and the Chinese Ministry of Culture, the exhibition commemorates the 40th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two countries and includes 34 artworks by Felguérez, all being shown in China for the first time.
Felguérez was born in 1928 in Valparaíso in the central Mexican state of Zacatecas. He acquired a taste for European art during his education in Paris after World War II. The veteran artist is an icon of Mexican abstract art and a member of the "breakaway generation," a group of artists regarded as being mainstays of the country's abstract art scene in mid-20th century.
The 83-year-old has not let age weary him, keeping busy by developing artistic concepts with a universal vision at a stage of life when most artists have well and truly hung up the brush. Over the past four years he has toured Madrid, Berlin and Paris.
"I usually won't travel with my art, but I don't want to miss China," he said of his decision to come to the Middle Kingdom. "Life is the ultimate inspiration for art and the culture of China has provided me with much inspiration, as well as experience."
A versatile artist, Felguérez has tried his hand at many forms of art including painting, sculpting and even graphic design. Wang Huangsheng, director at CAFA's art gallery, pinpointed his greatest strengths as a sculptor.
"Although most of our collection of Felguérez's artworks comprise of paintings, he is responsible for a series of large sculptures in Mexico that are displayed in various cities," said Wang.
Wang added that all Felguérez's works reflect his wisdom and creativity in the materials used. "He conveys power in his sculptures by often using raw iron as a primary material," said Wang.
Where: CAFA Gallery, 8 Huajiadinan Jie, Chaoyang district
When: Until April 19
Admission: 15 yuan
Contact: 6477-1575
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