Mexican roots, Emirati inspirations: The art of José in the UAE

Like most of us, I came to the UAE for a job opportunity. There is a great history and tradition in arts in this part of the world that was completely unknown to me and has been very inspiring.

Your work often reflects a mix of Mexican heritage and Middle Eastern influences. How do you integrate these diverse cultural elements into your art? 

In my work, you can find Mexican culture in the use of colors and some imagery. The Middle East has inspired my work in many ways, using elements as simple as the colors of sunsets, shapes in the sand, and the mysticism of the desert.

Your upcoming art exhibition on August 28th is highly anticipated. Can you share more about the exhibition’s theme and what attendees can expect to see?

This collection is a retrospective of the work done during the last years when I lived in many different countries and cities. Painting has always been very personal to me, it is my way of processing life’s ups and downs.
In this exhibition, there is a reinterpretation of the last painting Frida Kahlo did before passing away, her ex-husband & renowned artist Diego Rivera, painted the same image also before passing away a few years after. Using this powerful image adapting it to the current world situation.

What challenges have you faced as an artist in the UAE, and what unique opportunities has the art scene here provided? 

Being creative to express the messages in a respectful way to the local culture, hasn’t been difficult, just an adapting process. I find the art scene in the UAE is open to new and original proposals, and many areas and industries are rapidly developing & evolving including the arts.

How has your art evolved since you started your career in Mexico, and how do you see it continuing to evolve in the UAE?

Started painting with watercolors while working in a skate/surf shop in Cancun, Mexico where very often there were many slow hours. Constantly trying to improve my technique and the use of better art materials. Had collective and solo exhibitions, and got sponsored by the local government. Then while living abroad, I took courses in illustration and design. Also did an apprenticeship in a tattoo studio in San Jose, California. I didn’t go by the tattoo path but incorporated many elements of it into my personal painting style. Right now big formats with the use of acrylics are what excites me.

How has the local art community in the UAE embraced your work, and how do you think your Mexican roots resonate with audiences here?

I started promoting my work in the UAE last September and felt accepted in the art community since the beginning. I’ve been told that the use of colors and Mexican elements, as well as the dark-ish style, is very different from what they are used to. Have been putting the hard work into each project and taking it step by step. I feel that is the right way to do it.

Can you share some of the key influences and inspirations behind your latest collection? Are there any particular experiences in the UAE that have shaped your recent work?

Style-wise my current biggest influences are Goya’s black paintings, Guernica by Picasso, and The Frieze of Life by Edvard Munch. My paintings are almost autobiographical, so many different life experiences are there. Could also be ideas from what I read, a movie, a song, or a feeling.

The UAE is known for its embrace of technology and innovation. Have you explored any technological elements in your artwork, such as digital art or augmented reality?

I enjoy creating life out of a piece of paper, canvas, or a wall using only paints and my hands. I have some digital artworks where I do the drawing on a piece of paper and then use digital textures. I would be open to collaborating with animators or digital artists to create projects together, but it is not in my immediate plans.

What future projects do you have in mind after this upcoming exhibition? Are there any collaborations or new mediums you’re excited to explore?

Currently, I am working on a mural project to be ready very soon. Also, just moved to Studio Thirteen, where the plan is to create a collection of big-format artwork to exhibit in 2025. Would love to collaborate with ONGs to use art in a positive way to support different causes.

As someone who has successfully established himself in a competitive market, what advice would you give to emerging artists looking to make their mark in the UAE or internationally?

Do it for the love of creating. Not only in arts but in any creative field, if you enjoy the process you’ll get further in any chosen path. Also, start with whatever you have today.