Exhibition: April 6-April 29
Reception: Fri. April 6, 8-11 PM
La Luz de Jesus Gallery is pleased to present “El Ateo” by artist Bruce Eichelberger. This will mark the artist’s third exhibition with the gallery. Using images of sexuality, grotesque violence, and distorted figures the artist creates enigmatic like visuals that reveal his contempt for our current political climate and attack the current administration for its xenophobic policies. His work challenges authority and lampoons religious institutions with the same devoutness as those who embrace these antiquated and abusive systems. Personal narratives are presented as fact but purposefully embellished hiding the real truth from viewers.
The artist describes his work as follows: “The best way I can explain it is, there are a lot of things that affect me – the scandal in the church, war, abuse in the government these stories are what drives me. I’ll take little truths and embellish them – so there will be a lot of truths but by the time I complete the work – only I would be aware of the truth that would apply to the piece.”
Bruce Eichelberger (born in California) is a self-taught artist that was given up for adoption at birth. Bruce spent many years incarcerated in the California penal system where he turned to painting and drawing as a means of self-reflection. Since his release, the artist has connected with his biological parents this connection has helped lead him to stop his addiction to drugs giving him closure. His parents are now part of his lifelong journey of artistry.
His work has been exhibited in museums and galleries nationally and internationally, including Harwood Museum in Taos, New Mexico, and Le Halle St. Pierre in Paris, France.