ArtLink A. E. England Gallery

The Artlink A. E. England Gallery is proud to present Paco Velez for a month long exhibition, with the opening reception on third Friday, Nov 20, 2009. Velez’s work explores the social, cultural, political and economic tensions (and contradictions) of the U.S./Mexico border. The exhibition will consist of large-scale mixed-media paintings as well as a performance art work at the closing reception on December 4, 2009.

Paco Velez is currently an artist in residence at the (MOCA) Museum of Contemporary Art, Tucson, AZ. His exhibitions include: MOCA, Teatro Auditorio, Nogales, Sonora, Arizona Biennial, Tucson Museum of Art. His works are in two permanent museum art collections : MOCA Tucson, and El paso Museum of art. He recieved best artist of the year 2008 in the Tucson Weekly, and has shown in the Binational of the El Paso Museum of Art and Bellas Artes Museum of Art Ciudad Juarez. Velez also has several pieces in private art collections in U.S.A. Mexico and Spain. Velez travels between studios in Tucson, AZ and Nogales, Sonora, Mexico. He is a member of the THE TOOLE SHED Art Collaborative, Tucson, AZ.

Paco Velez’ dynamic exploration and excavation of two Americas reveals itself through painting, performance, installation and video. Velez’ unbridled energy demands attention to complex and unpleasant realities of globalization hot spots like the US-Mexico border, yet his playful humor and profound humanity facilitate the lesson. His absurdist propositions—giant burrowing bunnies and other “teratologies”–combined with his techno-folk-pop-activist sensibilities make for an unforgettable art experience.
Anne-Marie Russell, Executive Director, Museum of Contemporary Art, Tucson

The newly dedicated Artlink A. E. England Gallery is beginning its second month of operation. The gallery is a partnership between Artlink and the City of Phoenix Parks and Recreation, enriching the community through arts and culture. Co-curators Cory Weeks and M. Jenea Sanchez are local artists, active within the Phoenix Metro arts community. The Artlink A. E. England Gallery is located in the Historical A. E. England Building in Civic Space Park.

Exhibition Dates: November 20 – December 11, 2009

Opening Reception Friday Nov 20, 2009 6-9 PM
Closing Reception First Friday December 4, 2009 6-10 PM
Open by appointment.

http://www.pacovelezart.com