Angel Ricardo Ricardo Rios showcases his colorful work at PV Art Center At a time of rapid change in U.S.-Cuba relations, a Cuban-born artist known for his vibrant, oversized paintings is showcasing his artwork through October at the Palos Verdes Art Center. Arts supporters welcomed Angel Ricardo Ricardo Rios at a Friday reception for his “A Garden of Excesses” exhibit, which will run through Oct. 4 at the Rancho Palos Verdes center. Rios grew up in Cuba but has lived for the last 24 years in Mexico City, where he is inspired by the diverse people and vibrant colors of everyday Mexico. Floral-themed artwork, much of it painted with his hands rather than brushes, is his specialty. Rios, who has displayed his works throughout Central and South America, is looking forward to opening a gallery later this year in Havana. “Now the young artists in Cuba, they are changing a lot,” Rios said through a translator last week at the PV Art Center, while taking a break from setting up his exhibit. “It’s not the same art you could find years ago,” Rios said. “Now it’s more contemporary, very popular and more international.” Rios remains a Cuban citizen and regularly keeps in touch with his parents and friends on the island nation. He sees positive changes in Cuba that reflect the normalizing of relations between the U.S. and his native country.
At a time of rapid change in U.S.-Cuba relations, a Cuban-born artist known for his vibrant, oversized paintings is showcasing his artwork through October at the Palos Verdes Art Center. Arts supporters welcomed Angel Ricardo Ricardo Rios at a Friday reception for his “A Garden of Excesses” exhibit, which will run through Oct. 4 at the Rancho Palos Verdes center. Rios grew up in Cuba but has lived for the last 24 years in Mexico City, where he is inspired by the diverse people and vibrant colors of everyday Mexico. Floral-themed artwork, much of it painted with his hands rather than brushes, is his specialty. Rios, who has displayed his works throughout Central and South America, is looking forward to opening a gallery later this year in Havana. “Now the young artists in Cuba, they are changing a lot,” Rios said through a translator last week at the PV Art Center, while taking a break from setting up his exhibit. “It’s not the same art you could find years ago,” Rios said. “Now it’s more contemporary, very popular and more international.” Rios remains a Cuban citizen and regularly keeps in touch with his parents and friends on the island nation. He sees positive changes in Cuba that reflect the normalizing of relations between the U.S. and his native country.