## The Legacy of Álvaro Blancarte On Display
An exhibition titled “Es una trama, la pintura” (“It’s a Plot, the Painting”) celebrating the legacy of master artist Álvaro Blancarte was inaugurated on September 5th at the International Gallery of the State Center for the Arts (CEART) in Tijuana. The exhibit comes three years after the passing of Blancarte (March 27, 1934, Culiacán, Sinaloa – August 22, 2021, Tecate, Baja California) and features 28 works, often referred to as “neofrescos” by art critic Raquel Tibol, created over various periods from the 1990s up to his later works. The pieces originate from celebrated series such as “Espacio y forma,” “Las siete colas del perro,” “Una perra llamada la vaca,” “Barroco profundo,” and “Matéricos,” among others.
The expansive walls of the International Gallery showcase a variety of Blancarte’s works, including “La noche aquí” (1990), “La piel” (1996), and “Las siete colas del perro XIII” (1990). Also displayed are works from the early 2000s like the diptych “Oráculo I” (2002) and “El oro no está aquí” (2002), along with his more recent works such as “El punto azul #9” (2014) and “En negros II” (2015).
The exhibition also includes large-scale pieces such as the triptych “Rumorosa” (2017) and the diptych “Mar azul/mar negro” (2017), which measure over 4 to 5 meters in length.
A gallery note describes Blancarte’s work: “For artist Álvaro Blancarte, painting is a plot of textures, colors, and planes. A plot is a set of elements that cross and connect to form a whole. This can be seen in textiles and stories. Blancarte’s work is enriched by an intense exploration of materials like pigments, marble dust, adhesives, and sgraffito, creating what art critic Raquel Tibol termed ‘neofresco’ in 1989.”
Originally from Culiacán, Sinaloa, Blancarte made Baja California his home in 1986. His influence on the region’s art scene is undeniable, sharing his skills at Tijuana’s Cultural Center and inspiring generations of students at the Faculty of Arts at the Autonomous University of Baja California, where he served as dean.
Additional activities commemorating the third anniversary of Blancarte’s death include the exhibition “El pez más viejo” being launched on September 12 at La Caja Gallery, the illumination of Blancarte’s mural “Ancestros/Tipei ñakor yaak” at the El Chaparral crossing on September 19, and a concert by the Baja California Orchestra on September 26 at the International Gallery of CEART Tijuana.
## Additional News on Álvaro Blancarte
### A Look Back at Blancarte’s Influence in Baja California
Celebrating the master’s impact on Baja California, various art institutions and galleries continue to honor Álvaro Blancarte’s work. La Caja Gallery in Tijuana has announced the exhibition “El pez más viejo,” showcasing pieces that delve into Blancarte’s abstract expressions and material explorations. His influence extends beyond visual art; the Baja California Orchestra will perform pieces by Mozart and Haydn, reflecting the interdisciplinary inspiration Blancarte imbued in the region’s art culture.
### Blancarte’s Techniques and Innovations
Blancarte was known for his ‘matérico’ approach—layering textures and colors to give depth and dimensionality to his paintings. His experiments with unconventional materials such as marble dust and sgraffito techniques set him apart, pushing the boundaries of traditional painting. His works not only exhibit technical mastery but also a profound connection to the cultural and physical landscape of Baja California.
### Community Engagement Through Art
Blancarte’s dedication to the Baja California art community is evident through his teaching and interactive mural projects. The illumination of the mural “Ancestros/Tipei ñakor yaak,” created for the El Chaparral crossing, stands as a testament to his commitment to creating accessible, public art that enriches the community’s cultural heritage.
Through these initiatives, Blancarte’s legacy continues to inspire new generations of artists and art enthusiasts in Baja California and beyond, ensuring that his innovative spirit and artistic contributions endure.