The Michael Margulies Artist Agency

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April 27th - The Valdeziacs FUTURESPECTIVE is Here!

Kiki Valdes - The Valdeziacs - April 27th

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What is the story of the pieces we will see in the Valdeziacs?

I am mostly addressing and playing with form. I am using a general, non specific cartoon character...meaning it sort of looks like Goofy, Mickey Mouse or Ren and Stimpy. I try to use certain components
of those identifiable images and make them into complete abstractions, or a somewhat still-life of what those shapes can do. I use certain qualities of the curves, exaggerated eyes and big mouths to emphasize the duality of those compositions. There is a constant battle between the graphic figuration that is very familiar to us and what is familiar in painting. 

Are you showing only new works or a mixture of new and previous?

All new, all of the work is from 2012 and 2013...I will have one or two small abstractions from 2010.. they relate to the current work. 

How does the art relate to the title?

I shared my new work with Joe Margulies. I spent Armory week with him and his family. I was curious what he was thinking of the work I was making....and the first thing he said was..."ohh, The Valdeziacs." 
It struck a cord with his childhood. He was clearly referencing his nostalgia he had for the "Animaniacs" and counter imposed the title with my last name. The show was a cartoon from the early 1990's. I never watched that cartoon...but his reaction was the best way to describe the feeling he got. It took him to a place from when he was a kid...meanwhile I never painted any of those characters. He was joking all weekend calling me Kiki Valdeziac. I struggled with a title all month long and I thought his reaction to my work was the most fitting for a title. 


how does the new work represent you as an artist and your maturation process?

It's where I am right now...if you asked me 6 years ago if I would be making this kind of work I wouldn't believe I would go this direction. About 3 years ago, I realized I was taking myself too serious as an artist. I'm a serious person...we all are to some degree. My development does not change dramatically either, there's a gradual change you can see if you pay attention. Those that pay attention are my closest friends, family and those good people from the outside. My work has always dealt with the dark side meeting the light. You see these big happy faces, but are they really happy? Deranged maybe? The work is very open ended for interpretation. That has always been my progress it just changes in what method I'm painting.   
 
THE VALDEZIACS 
ARTIST KIKI VALDES ANSWERS A FEW QUESTIONS ON HIS UPCOMING SOLO EXHIBITION "THE VALDEZIACS" OPENING ON APRIL 27TH AT 101 EXHIBIT - 101 NE 40TH STREET IN MIAMI'S DESIGN DISTRICT 
A Q + A WITH PAINTER KIKI VALDES 

KIKI VALDES 
THE VALDEZIACS 

(Solo Exhibition) 

Opening Reception: Saturday April 27th 

7-10pm

101 Exhibit 

101 NE 40th Street. Miami FL. 33137 
Show runs till May 10th 


"3:30am" (Oil on canvas) 2013