Juan Ezcurdia was born in Mexico City in 1962.  He is a self-taught artist and had his first public showing in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico in 1997.

His first interest and professional pursuit was in psychology. Painting was something he started as an untrained hobbyist.  His first paintings were small format floral still life that he eventually began selling to friends.  Although he initially thought they were taking pity on him, it soon became apparent that the interest was genuine, and Mr. Ezcurdia started selling art at Mexico City street fairs on weekends.  This exposure soon led to a job offer to illustrate children's books and a second career was launched.  In 1997, he won first prize in Mexico's prestigious national art competition Ezcurdia for his book illustrations.  Eventually, life working in one of the largest cities in the world led to an urge to escape, and Ezcurdia has been living and painting in San Miguel de Allende since 1997.  The popularity of his art has soared as he gains recognition in painting exhibitions in Mexico, the United States, Canada, and Cuba.

The work itself is as unique and multifaceted as one might expect from the special background of a psychologist and children's book illustrator turned professional artist.  People and animals are portrayed in a naïve manner.  Mr. Ezcurdia's paintings are inspired by the uncomplicated, imaginative vision of children.  His works often depict living creatures interacting on equal footing.  In Juan Ezcurdia's world, it's quite normal for a woman to be riding a bicycle with a bull wearing a three-piece suit.  A musical trio might be composed of a man, a woman, and a milk cow, all apparently equally adept at singing and playing their instruments.  Ezcurdia's paintings show magical striped cows, lion ladies, dogs and cats, rainbow men and other fantasy creatures floating, dancing, and simply being.  Although the figures are simple and basic, the overall feeling is polished and painterly. 

Ezcurdia has a very sophisticated sense of color, subtle shading, and composition.  Even though they are painted on a flat plane devoid of perspective, these images have impact and power beyond the restraints of the naïve style. 

Mr. Ezcurdia's works can be found in collections throughout the United States, Mexico, Canada, Cuba, and Europe.

Galeria 19 Fine Art is Juan Ezcurdia's exclusive representative in Texas.

 

Works