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Diego Marcial Rios is an art activist; it is in his blood. "I marched with my parents at age 4; I marched with Chavez." I was astounded to read about Diego's encounter with San Mateo County. His work was censored! It was an "annoyance" to the police department, and two pieces (See one above) were taken down. You are invited to read the full story, but Garden Spices is here to celebrate the activism of Diego Marcial Rios. - Gate open! - Victorine
Artist Statement
The artwork is a reflection of both positive and negative forces I see and feel in society. The complex imagery in the art comprises both ancient and modern symbolism. All of the art addresses strong social themes, such as death, economic injustice, as well as birth and regeneration.
Art is a powerful catalyst for progressive thought and action.
Creator-Destroyer Paper Mache / Acrylics 23” X 10” $750.00 "I created this mask using traditional art materials in the Mexican tradition. I had to use a very small brush in order to render many tiny details in the figures and landscapes. The inspiration for this mask was the theme of Good vs. Evil, Creation, and Destruction."
ABOUT DIEGO
Diego Marcial Rios lives in the San Francisco Bay Area and paints in acrylics. He graduated with honors with an M.A./M.F.A. from the University of Wisconsin at Madison, Department of Fine Arts Graduate School and a B.F.A. from the University of California at Berkeley. Diego has a C.L.P. from the University of San Francisco. He received a number of fellowships for his Academic study. His artwork illustrates many complex social-economic issues faced by contemporary society.
Diego Marcial Rios' fine art has been included in more than 500 exhibitions from Japan to Bulgaria. He is in a number of Museum Collections: The Auchenbach Foundation Collection at the Palace of the Legion of Honor Museum in San Francisco, Coos Art Museum, Coos Bay, Oregon; Laguna Beach Museum, Laguna Beach, CA.; Museo National De La Estampa, Mexico City, Mexico, Orange County Museum of Modern Art, Museum of Modern Art of Madison Wisconsin, etc..
He has also illustrated a number of books and his work is part of a number of Public Collections: Madison Art Center, WI; Mission Cultural Center, SF; Irish Arts Council, Belfast, Ireland and many more. He has appeared as a speaker on Art and has in been interviewed on Television, Radio,the and in one Movie. His artwork has been included in many magazines. Diego has been a recent guest speaker at UC Merced, St. Mary’s College, San Jose State University, De Anza College, University of Chicago, and the University of Springfield.