Luis Cruz Azaceta’s true mastery of color continues to be apparent in his remarkably varied but still often avowedly political work. A Cuban American who left Cuba in 1960 at the age of 18 Luis initially lived in New York City where he studied at The School of Visual Arts. In 1992 Luis relocated to New Orleans where he now lives with his family.

The condition of being an exile has had a profound influence on Luis’ work. Simultaneously he was conscious of his physical exile from Cuba but also emotionally and spiritually he was separated from his roots. Particularly in his earlier work, this experience permeated his addressing violence, racism, isolation, separation, and oppression. His personal journey has also provided him with a perspective on global conditions. Often there has been an ominous sense in his work perhaps presciently.

His strong paintings are characterized by the signature employment of bright-colored abstraction and at times expressionist figuration but with an always impressive intensity.

Luis has had over 100 solo exhibitions and has been in more than 400 group exhibitions. He is a three-time recipient of an award from The National Endowment for the Arts. He has also received grants from The Guggenheim Memorial Foundation and the Joan Mitchell Foundation.

Luis has taught at the University of California, Louisiana State University, and Cooper Union in New York.

The team at George Adams Gallery visited Luis Cruz Azaceta in his studio in New Orleans, Louisiana for a studio tour.

You can see the exhibition of paintings and drawings by Luis Cruz Azaceta at George Adams Gallery here.