Mexican Painting
DAR Y QUITAR
Javier Lopez Pastrana
Technique
Mixed on Wood
Year
2011
Size
80x215cm/ 31x84in
Author Collection
Painting Inspiration and Concept
"DAR Y QUITAR" is a Mexican painting by Javier Lopez Pastrana, which is part of the artist's collection. Created in 2011, this artwork falls within the genre of contemporary art and features a mixed media composition on wood. It is presented in a landscape format with dimensions of 80x215cm (31x84in).
The painting explores the theme of human migration through symbolic visual discourse. It depicts the contrasting aspects of human behavior towards migrants. On their journey, migrants receive support and assistance from compassionate individuals who offer them clothing, food, water, and temporary accommodation along their pilgrimage route. These people represent the light side of humanity, providing aid and showing kindness to those in need.
However, there is also a dark side depicted in the artwork, representing the negative aspects of human behavior towards migrants. This includes theft, taking away their belongings, and even acts of violence that may result in loss of life. The painting emphasizes the dichotomy between those who give and those who take away, symbolized by hands that act in different directions.
The artwork features tapes with human footprints, which serve as a reminder of Mesoamerican pilgrimages. These footprints symbolize the journey undertaken by migrants and the challenges they face along the way. Through this symbolism, the artist aims to provoke reflection on human behavior and to awaken a sense of brotherhood and empathy in the viewer. The painting encourages the viewer to consider the importance of delivering goodness and support to others, particularly those who are vulnerable and in need.
"DAR Y QUITAR" is a Mexican painting that delves into the complex theme of human migration through symbolic visual discourse. It portrays the contrast between acts of generosity and acts of harm towards migrants, inviting viewers to reflect on human behavior and the values of compassion and solidarity. The artwork serves as a call to awaken empathy and promote a sense of brotherhood in society, emphasizing the significance of giving and supporting others in their time of need.
In summary, "DAR Y QUITAR" is a Mexican painting by Javier Lopez Pastrana that explores the theme of human migration through symbolic visual discourse. It portrays the contrasting aspects of human behavior towards migrants, highlighting both acts of kindness and acts of harm. The artwork aims to prompt reflection on human behavior and to awaken a sense of brotherhood and empathy towards those in need. It serves as a reminder of the importance of giving and supporting others in their journey through life.
Artist Quote
"The symbolic visual discourse deals with the theme that I have explored on more than one occasion about human migration.
On their way the migrants receive support from many people of light who offer them clothing, food, water, services, temporary accommodation on their pilgrimage route, however there is also the dark side of humanity which takes away, steals and even life is taken from them in that walk.
That is why the theme of giving and taking away, the hands that act in one direction or another and the tapes with human footprints that remind us of the Mesoamerican pilgrimages for which I seek the viewer to reflect on human behavior and to make him awaken his brotherhood towards the delivery of good to others."