Marcus Gonzalo Bañuelos:
en este tiempo
Opening Reception
Friday, September 13, 2024
On View
September 13 – October 25, 2024
Marcus Gonzalo Bañuelos – Cruz De La Puente (2024)
About the exhibition
After years of studying on the East Coast, Marcus Gonzalo Bañuelos has returned to Southern California, rekindling his connection to his roots and deepening his appreciation for the intimate world of home and community. This exhibition, a culmination of his recent works, offers a personal journey through the spaces and relationships that define his daily life and the essence of home.
Bañuelos’ work explores the textures and emotions of his surroundings – the warmth of gatherings with family and friends, the quietude of familiar places, and the enduring traditions of Mexican-American suburban life. His work is deeply influenced by his heritage, family ties, and the close-knit community that surrounds him. Through thoughtful compositions and glimpses of continuous motifs, Bañuelos invites viewers to experience the simple, everyday moments that carry deep meaning.
This exhibition serves as a tribute to the people and places that have influenced Bañuelos, inviting viewers to reflect on their own connections to home, family, and identity. He hopes to evoke a sense of nostalgia, familiarity, and discovery, encouraging viewers to explore the nuances of personal and shared memory within the comforting setting of home.
About the artist
Marcus Gonzalo Bañuelos was born in Long Beach, California, in 1993. He earned his undergraduate degree from California State University, Fullerton, before completing his Master of Fine Arts at the prestigious Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts.
Bañuelos has a rich background in arts education, having taught at Anne Arundel Community College in Maryland. He currently serves as an instructor at his alma mater, California State University, Fullerton, where he continues to inspire and mentor emerging artists.
Bañuelos resides in La Puente, California, with his wife, Katie, and their two beloved cats, Toulouse and Manteca.
A statement from the artist
Working from observation is central to my art-making process. In a fast-paced world, the act of pausing to carefully transcribe what is before my eyes is both challenging and captivating. The interaction with a model or sitter, as well as the immediate surroundings, drives my curiosity while simultaneously intimidating me. Obsession plays a significant role in my process—obsession with the act of painting itself and with highlighting the beauty in mundane spaces and individuals. Elements like color, composition, and the environment all serve as crucial ingredients in formulating each new piece.
Returning to my birthplace in Southern California has sparked a resurgence in my desire to encapsulate my hometown through art. Previously, my work focused on capturing scenes in unconventional locations, where I delved into the overlooked beauty, color, and atmosphere of everyday spaces. During these outings, I often found myself alone or in the company of only a few passersby. Upon reflection, I realized these works were like theatrical sets, missing the role players. This realization led me to transition in my work, incorporating figures into these settings when the narrative called for it.
Currently, my work is centered on the theme of home. This motif has revealed to me that home can manifest in various forms—comfort, relief, a safe haven for self-expression, and, ultimately, a feeling rather than just a location. Over the past six months, my garage has become a refuge and a sanctuary for the incubation of my paintings and drawings. It has served as a backdrop and stage for friends and family who model for me, while also fostering conversations with my neighbors. These interactions have encouraged me to explore my community further, leading to a deeper discovery of my identity.