Press Release: Paco Velez at MOCA
On July 10th, the Museum of Contemporary Art Tucson (MOCA) continues its inaugural season in its new home with the introduction of the second part of its show Made in Tucson/Born in Tucson/Live in Tucson. The work represents a dynamic, engaging and wide-ranging set of art practices from artists spanning four generations; each of the exhibiting artists has a relationship to Tucson—whether they were born here, trained here or produced work here. Nogales, Sonora born Paco Velez, principal artist with Tucson-based Toole Shed Art Studios, is featured in this exhibition.
Paco Velez’ work is bold, bright, confrontational, and evocative of his childhood growing up on the border. Velez received Tucson Weekly’s “Best Artist of the Year” in 2008. Velez’ exhibitions include: MOCA Tucson, Teatro Auditorio in Nogales, Sonora, the Arizona Biennial at the Tucson Museum of Art, the Binational of the El Paso Museum of Art and Bellas Artes Museum of Art Ciudad Juarez. His works are in two permanent museum art collections: MOCA Tucson and the El Paso Museum of Art. Velez also has several pieces in private art collections in the U.S., Mexico, and Spain. Velez received a degree in Art History and Studio Art from the University of Arizona under the direction of professor and artist Alfred Quiroz.
Paco Velez’ dynamic exploration and excavation of two Americas reveals itself through painting, performance, installation and video. Velez’ unbridled energy demands attention to complex and unpleasant realities of globalization hot spots like the US-Mexico border, yet his playful humor and profound humanity facilitate the lesson. His absurdist propositions—giant burrowing bunnies and other ‘teratologies’ --combined with his techno-folk-pop-activist sensibilities make for an unforgettable art experience. - Anne-Marie Russell, Executive Director, Museum of Contemporary Art Tucson
Made in Tucson/Born in Tucson/Live in Tucson Part 2 runs through September 25, 2010. For more information, please contact MOCA Tucson at 520-624-5019, the artist’s PR contact Sarah K Smith at sarahkristinsmith@yahoo.com, or the artist at paco_pco@hotmail.com.
On July 10th, the Museum of Contemporary Art Tucson (MOCA) continues its inaugural season in its new home with the introduction of the second part of its show Made in Tucson/Born in Tucson/Live in Tucson. The work represents a dynamic, engaging and wide-ranging set of art practices from artists spanning four generations; each of the exhibiting artists has a relationship to Tucson—whether they were born here, trained here or produced work here. Nogales, Sonora born Paco Velez, principal artist with Tucson-based Toole Shed Art Studios, is featured in this exhibition.
Paco Velez’ work is bold, bright, confrontational, and evocative of his childhood growing up on the border. Velez received Tucson Weekly’s “Best Artist of the Year” in 2008. Velez’ exhibitions include: MOCA Tucson, Teatro Auditorio in Nogales, Sonora, the Arizona Biennial at the Tucson Museum of Art, the Binational of the El Paso Museum of Art and Bellas Artes Museum of Art Ciudad Juarez. His works are in two permanent museum art collections: MOCA Tucson and the El Paso Museum of Art. Velez also has several pieces in private art collections in the U.S., Mexico, and Spain. Velez received a degree in Art History and Studio Art from the University of Arizona under the direction of professor and artist Alfred Quiroz.
Paco Velez’ dynamic exploration and excavation of two Americas reveals itself through painting, performance, installation and video. Velez’ unbridled energy demands attention to complex and unpleasant realities of globalization hot spots like the US-Mexico border, yet his playful humor and profound humanity facilitate the lesson. His absurdist propositions—giant burrowing bunnies and other ‘teratologies’ --combined with his techno-folk-pop-activist sensibilities make for an unforgettable art experience. - Anne-Marie Russell, Executive Director, Museum of Contemporary Art Tucson
Made in Tucson/Born in Tucson/Live in Tucson Part 2 runs through September 25, 2010. For more information, please contact MOCA Tucson at 520-624-5019, the artist’s PR contact Sarah K Smith at sarahkristinsmith@yahoo.com, or the artist at paco_pco@hotmail.com.
