rafa esparza

A Sense of Generosity

- Shaquille Heath

Something I couldn't stop thinking about from my conversation with rafa esparza is that art is truly healing. Sometimes it's hard to evaluate and measure the impact. There is no real data on the visualization of artworks, no analytics to decipher or figures to calculate that explain or reason significance. Art is entirely about how it makes people feel-or, at least, it should be. All of the other numbers we attach to it-price lists and auctions, acquisitions and exhibitions-are only indicators of the fact that it made someone, somewhere, feel something. Esparza's art feels like the essence of this notion. Before anything else, his sense of feeling is what drives his practice. It is why he has numerous group exhibitions-to share in the delight of art making with others. It is why his artworks are often a collaborative process that brings in his community of family and friends. It is why his practice explores themes like loss and love, power and pride-some of the most vigorous concepts that imbue immense emotion. Often, as esparza went on to share with me, these conversations start with a sense of generosity. And to be particularly clear, generosity is different from kindness. It is not just being considerate of feelings that does the healing, but the extension thereof. What is good for one may not be good for all. But what is good for all is always good. And that is a hella good feeling.

Shaquille Heath: I always like to hear artists talk about their work in their own words. May I ask that of you?