## “Art Remains a Fundamental Form of Expression”: Francisco Chávez Corrujedo
**By Enrique Mendoza**
Francisco Chávez Corrujedo, a pioneering painter and sculptor in Tijuana, reflects on his journey and exhibition “Transferring Time” currently on display at the CEART Playas de Rosarito. Chávez Corrujedo retired in 2017 after 37 years of service at the Autonomous University of Baja California (UABC) Campus Tijuana, where he founded the Plastic Arts Workshop in 1980 and co-founded the Faculty of Arts at the university.
“Transferring Time” originally began showing in 2017 at the CEART Tecate, curated by Álvaro Blancarte. It has since traveled to CEART Mexicali, Ensenada, and Tijuana. As of July 18, 2024, it is being exhibited at the International Gallery of CEART Playas de Rosarito, featuring 56 pieces, including diptychs and triptychs of paintings and sculptures crafted primarily over the last three decades. The exhibition is presented under the museography and installation by Melissa Quintero Velasco and Israel Ortega Castro.
### Paintings of Nature
Chávez Corrujedo’s works vividly capture the essence of nature. The gallery hosts colorful representations of cats, frogs, butterflies, birds, bears, and beetles, alongside musical instruments, bicycles, Quixotes, skeletons, and debris symbolizing destruction and pollution, in both his acrylic paintings and sculptures.
When asked about the evolution of his work, Chávez explained that his themes have remained largely unchanged. Animals and music have always been central to his artistic expression. From his childhood, he has drawn inspiration from the wildlife surrounding his parents’ orchard. The exhibition predominantly features these themes, reflecting an ongoing passion. While stylistic changes in line, color, and texture occur, the core subjects remain consistent.
### Confronting Pollution and Death
“Transferring Time” also includes iconic works like “Peace or Annihilation,” a photograph of a mural inside the Central Library at UABC Tijuana, and “War: Massacre, Misery, and Suffering.” Addressing themes of contamination, destruction, and death, Chávez emphasizes the importance of expressing concerns about environmental pollution through his art. “Cabalgata en la Herrumbre” tackles issues like animal extinction and the pollution of waters.
Chávez is deeply affected by seeing contaminated landscapes, reflecting these feelings in his artwork. His piece “Cabalgata en la Herrumbre” embodies the fight against environmental degradation, using the idealistic figure of Don Quixote as a metaphor for the endeavor.
### Texture as Emotion
One notable feature of Chávez Corrujedo’s paintings is their sandy texture, achieved using sand, resins, and pigments applied with various tools. The texture adds emotional intensity to his work, varying with his state of mind. It provides depth and richness to the visual experience, making his work not just a visual but a tactile experience.
### The Power of Color
Chávez works predominantly with primary colors – red, yellow, blue – along with orange, magenta, and green. These colors are essential to his palette, bringing vitality and force to his compositions. The strategic use of contrasting colors helps create dynamic and striking visual effects.
### Movement in Artwork
Through the use of curves and circles, movement is a prominent feature in Chávez Corrujedo’s work. Pieces like “Three Sad Cats” and “Transformation” showcase this dynamic quality, drawing from the curves and lines found in nature.
### Blending Concrete and Abstract
Chávez’s work is often described as figurative expressionism or figurative abstractionism. While he prefers not to label his art, allowing viewers to interpret it freely, his pieces often blur the lines between concrete imagery and abstraction. His influences include artists like Van Gogh and Orozco, but he maintains a unique voice, avoiding trends he views as decadent.
### The Enduring Nature of Painting
For Chávez Corrujedo, painting remains a fundamental form of expression. Despite the rise of photography and digital media, he believes the human spirit still seeks organic forms of artistic expression. Painting, for him, is indispensable for conveying human experiences and emotions.
### Legacy and Contribution
As a prominent figure in Tijuana’s art scene, Chávez Corrujedo has witnessed its evolution firsthand. He fondly recalls his early days in Tijuana’s burgeoning art community and values his role in establishing its plastic arts movement alongside fellow artists.
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### Secondary Article: The Return of Van Gogh’s Immersive Experience
**July 15, 2024**
The renowned “Van Gogh: An Immersive Experience” is returning to Mexicali, providing art enthusiasts a unique opportunity to engage with the Dutch master’s work on an unprecedented level. This immersive exhibit allows visitors to step into Van Gogh’s paintings, experiencing his vibrant colors and dynamic brushstrokes up close. Set against a backdrop of mesmerizing light and sound installations, the exhibit is poised to attract a significant number of visitors, eager to walk through Van Gogh’s post-impressionist world.
“Van Gogh: An Immersive Experience” has been acclaimed worldwide for its innovative approach to art appreciation, blending technology with traditional art forms to offer an engaging experience for audiences of all ages. Don’t miss this chance to delve into the life and work of one of history’s most beloved artists in Mexicali. For more details and ticket information, visit the official event website.