This world is so dark and so dreary sometimes. We have so many misfortunes in our lives. I create a small oasis amidst a storm to combat all the negative things that go on in our lives. – Evita Tenzeno
Employing richly patterned hand-painted papers and found objects in a contemporary folk-art style, Evita Tezeno’s colorful collage paintings on canvas and rag board depict a cast of characters in harmonious everyday scenes. Inspired by her family and friends, childhood memories in South Texas, personal dreams and moments from her adult life – and influenced by the great 20th century modernists Romare Bearden, Elizabeth Catlett, and William H. Johnson – scenes of joy animate her vision of a Black America filled with humanity. The theme of timelessness emerges – a carefree life, united and strengthened by love, tradition, and spirituality, depicting the past in portraits that are both idealized and hopeful. Evita Tezeno’s work is a powerful affirmation of African American life. Her vision can be understood as an act of self-definition that allows the black tradition to speak for itself. Tezeno is a Port Arthur, Texas native and graduate of Lamar University. She lives and works in Dallas. Her work is included in the permanent collection of the African American Museum of Dallas and the Embassy of the Republic of Madagascar, the Pizzuti Collection, Columbus, OH; Bill and Christy Gautreaux Collection, Kansas City; and Beth Rudin DeWoody Collection, Palm Beach; among others.
[excerpted from Luis de Jesus Los Angeles: luisdejesus.com]
