Omar Velázquez
Isabel, PR, 1984
Isabel, PR, 1984
Printmaker, creator of installations. Velázquez obtained his BFA with a major in printmaking at Universidad de Puerto Rico, Río Piedras Campus, in 2008. He was awarded twice the First Honorable Mention from Primer Certamen de Arte Joven of Oriental Group (2008 and 2010) and the Lexus Grant in 2013. He has shown his work in numerous solo and group exhibitions locally and internationally, in countries such as Japan, Republic of Macedonia, United States, Mexico and Colombia. Inspired by the environment, and events that surround him, he makes use of mixed media, printmaking, and installations to express social criticisms and commentaries.
My impression of Velázquez's work is that it is very political, loaded with content. That is why I approached him about his art and if he considers it his mode of activism. The artist stated: "I am not so much of an activist. I don't have the discipline. I feel that since I am not that much of an activist, I will try to be involved indirectly working with posters, images for protests and things like that. Yes, there is some dissatisfaction with the system. In my work there is always a social commentary, I can't deny it."
Source: Brás Feliciano, Dianne. “Omar Velázquez y su arte”. 80 Grados. 14 de junio de 2013. http://www.80grados.net/omar-velazquez-y-su-arte/#sthash.XK7wcR8U.dpuf
2008
2013
2012
2011
2010
2009
2014
2013
2012
2011
Zona MACO, Mexico
2010
2009
2008
2007
2013
2012
2010
2008
Nogueras, Celina. Frescos: 50 artistas puertorriqueños menores de 35. San Juan, Puerto Rico: Muuaaa, 2010, p. 350.
Jenkins, Mark. “In second year, D.C.’s (e)merge art festival puts the eclectic front and center”. Washington Post (Washington DC, EEUU), 5 de octubre de 2012.
Pérez Rivera, Tatiana. “Los 50 ‘frescos’”. El Nuevo Día (San Juan, PR), 18 de diciembre de 2010, pp. 80-81.
Toro, Ana Teresa. “Triunfan tres proyectos de instalación”. El Nuevo Día (San Juan, PR), 14 de agosto de 2013.
Brás Feliciano, Dianne. “Omar Velázquez y su arte”. 80 Grados. 14 de junio de 2013. http://www.80grados.net/omar-velazquez-y-su-arte/
“Omar Velázquez en Galería de Arte de Sagrado”. 80 Grados. 16 de agosto de 2013. http://www.80grados.net/undo-de-omar-velazquez-en-la-galeria-de-arte-u-s-c/