Pure abstraction

Alejandro Macias, a lecturer at UTRGV’s Visual Arts department, takes a different turn with abstract paintings, at 6 p.m. tonight during the Harlingen Art Night Exhibit at Beyond Arts Gallery, located at 114 N. A St.

“I really wanted to step out of my comfort zone and really work with abstraction, pure abstraction, and so this is what the work is about,” Macias said.

For the mixed-media paintings, Macias used spray paint and acrylic markers on paper and wood panels. There will be 23 works in the exhibit.

Macias has been working with the university since 2013 and has never created abstract pieces because he focused more on the human figure, which he worked with for ten years.

Abstract art is something that does not have a physical or concrete appearance. Because of this, Macias did not title any of the pieces. He wanted to leave it up to the viewer to interpret it and, at the same time, make it more mysterious.

“Removing the human figure out of the equation and harmonizing basic elements of design such as color, line, and shape has been refreshing,” Macias said in his artist statement.

He thinks that it is important to see what artists are doing across the Rio Grande Valley. He considers this exhibit a stepping-stone in his development and progression as an artist and instructor.

Something unique about Harlingen Art Night is that it will not only showcase Macias’ exhibit, but there are more studios around the area where attendants can see what other artists are doing.

“Just enjoy it for what it is,” Macias said about what he wants the viewers to take from the exhibit. “It’s just paint on a paper, just look at it, try to digest it and enjoy it and, hopefully, you walk away with something,” he said.

The gallery’s hours are from 1 to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Friday and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday.  

For more information, contact Beyond Arts Gallery at 230-2859. The opening reception is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served.