Month Long Exhibit Features Local Artist
Written by Post Public Information Representative, May 27, 2009, 0 Comments
The Laredo Public Library is proud to host an exhibit by Miki
Rodriguez, an internationally-acclaimed local artist. Rodriguez was born and raised in Laredo, Texas. She is the daughter of Oscar and Gloria Rodriguez and is married to James L. Humphries. She began her education in drawing and painting at the University of Houston where she received her Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) and went on to receive her Master of Sciences in Art (MS) at Texas A&M University at Kingsville. Finally, she received a fellowship and entered Maryland Institute College of Art in Baltimore, Maryland.
She has taught art in Laredo for over 25 years. She has educated students at Laredo Independent School District, United Independent School District, Texas A&M International University, Laredo Community College and is presently an instructor at St. Augustine High School.
The work is primarily oil on canvas but occasionally oil paint is applied to paper or panel surfaces. The larger paintings are representational of her style; however, the smaller more intimate paintings are a necessary format which facilitates the artist in her approach to the larger formats.
Her work reflects her environment, experiences, culture, and heritage as a Latina. Additionally, it depicts a close relationship with family and the memories they share. She uses oil paint on canvas and paper with a deep and intense color which also are an expression of home. Her marks vary from strong black lines to a softer, quieter whisper and her imagery, although abstracted, are based on objects that have surrounded her in the past. She wants the viewer to experience her work and remember their own past.
“My work has developed into marks that experiment with social relationships, ancient cultures and personal symbols that reflect my life and surroundings,” said Rodriguez. “They are directly connected to my memories and beliefs. And in this way they have become a part of my identity.”
“I would like the viewer to glimpse their own personal symbols in their lives as they engage with my paintings,” Rodriguez concludes.
