When Elvis Duran was growing up in Texas, the culture of Mexico was part of life. His family toured Mexico every year and he became familiar with the tradition of Día de los Muertos, the Day of the Dead. On November 1 and 2, families welcome back the souls of their deceased relatives for a brief reunion that includes food, drink and celebration. The ancient tradition is a favorite subject for art.
The theme appears in paintings and sculpture throughout Elvis and Alex Carr’s home. “It’s a beautiful tradition,” Elvis remarks. “In the rec room there are paintings by Brandon Maldonado. We were attracted to his paintings not only for the theme, but the way in which he uses cubism.
“We collect in series of works by artists as well as themes. Another theme is portraits of Frida Kahlo,” continues Elvis. “I read the crazy story of her life when I was a kid. She was a strong and determined person and shot from the hip.”
In the couple’s kitchen is a remarkable stretchable paper bust by Felix Semper that expands like an accordion. Made of 10,000 pieces of paper; it was commissioned by Alex for Elvis’ birthday. Next to the bust are three portraits of Frida made from feathers by Daniel Gastaud.
The magic of the collection and its themes carries over to the magical way Alex proposed to Elvis. Born on a Friday the 13th, he chose Friday the 13th for the proposal. Rather than an unlucky day, it was a lucky one. Alex tempted fate by opening an umbrella in the house—a no-no destined to bring bad luck. When the black umbrella opened, white letters read “Elvis Will You Marry Me.”
This story is from the October 2019 edition of American Art Collector.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the October 2019 edition of American Art Collector.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
FULL EXPOSURE
Photographer Conor Martin documents the present using photographic methods of the past.
Autumnal Light
The landscapes and nature scenes of painter Jennifer Sowders are irresistibly tactile, filled with varying textures that seem to leap off the canvas.
Art for All
Members of Art Dealers Association of America come together for a philanthropic affair.
Modern Marketplace
Redwood Art Group brings together the San Diego region for another class-act celebration of contemporary artwork.
An Enchanting Evening
Scottsdale Artists’ School knows how to throw an art party.
Timeless Tales
Soft, warm undertones underscore the mood of enchantment that runs through Nom Kinnear King’s paintings.
Next Exit New York
Coming off his series that focused on San Francisco and Los Angeles freeway signs, artist Eric Nash’s sights are now set on New York. Now on view at George Billis Gallery's Manhattan location are seven of Nash's new oil paintings and two drawings that explore the signage of New York City freeways. Although Nash's work is tightly rendered, he doesn’t consider himself a photorealist, but rather someone who utilizes those techniques to express ideas.
Monster Mash
Vampires, witches, ghouls and all things that go bump in the night are the theme of the exhibition Monster Mash, now at Abend Gallery.
Inside/Outside
Those familiar with Geoffrey Johnson's populated by inky figures and trailing shadows that bleed into the wet streets, and architectural elements obscured to varying degrees by the misty atmosphere.
Bold Figures; Bold Color
For Brooklyn based painter J Louis, it’s all about balance, which can mean many different things in a composition, but for Louis, it’s about balancing his female figures among a unique landscape of color.
