UTOPÍA Pasee mis llemas despacio sobre las sensuales curvas de “Ternura”, hermosa escultura del gran artista escultor Víctor Hugo Castañeda cuyo enorme talento estará por siempre limitado a crear mujeres perfectas, a punto de respirar, sin poder infundirles vida. Así en su celestial harem se celan una a la otra Meditación, Maribel, Eva, Gloria, envidian a la Mujer con Toalla. Sienten rivalidad… Cuando en realidad cada una supera a la otra. Laura Fernandez McGrego Maza UTOPIA My fingers wandered slowly over the sensuous curves of Tenderness, the beautiful sculpture created by the reknown artist Victor Hugo Castañeda whose enormous talent is forever fated to create perfect woman, so life like the would breathe, but unable to infuse them with life. So, in his celestial harem they bregudge one another; Meditación, Maribel, Eva, Gloria envy the Woman with Towel. They feel rivalry… when in reality each one surpasses the other. Laura Fernandez McGrego Maza
The Eternity of the moment the sculpture of Victor Hugo Castañeda By Alfonso de Neuvillate A sculptural work is a receptacle of wisdom, and at the same time it is truth expressed as volume. It embraces mystery and restlessness, reveals hints of voluptuousness, and holds the enigmas of life and of something else -otherness. Victor Hugo Castañeda is an outstanding sculptor. Since his early work, his expressionist sculptures have captured the image of man. They unfailingly give expression to a mood, whether of pleasure and delight or of tragedy or an assault on reason. His art has won him a place of honor among Mexican sculptors. With his work, in which women too are a product of sublimation, Castañeda achieves poe tic heights that are both beyond suspicion and unsuspected. The women`s different forms expressed in bronze achieve vitality, emotion, fierce eroticism, and also an ability to communicate, to converse silently withthe sensitive observer. This is art`s magic and its power to express even the indescribable, that which can only be felt by the emotions and is defined with a romantic attitude - the true dream, and the falsity of questioning. Castañeda`s sculpture is art that holds implicit the desire of those who, like Brach, Lehmbruck, Marcko or Kolbe, believed that this was the only means of expressing pain, happiness, life, death, desire, and the appearance of life in all its states of agony or intervals of ambivalent pleasure in bodies of space and calculated volume. Castañeda is a formal, eclectic, fanatically experimental sculptor whose combinations of styles, humanist structures or reconstructions, his “whirlwind in the void”, and sudden flashes of insight are examples of his own styles and of his own subjectivity within the objectivity that can be found in earlier and later sculptures. Every work that emerges from Castañeda`s mind and hands arouses emotions in the beholder - in us. if everything is subjective, then everything is universal. They are all accessible. They are not just mathematical games or games of unreasoning reason. They are works that are a medium for meditating, enjoying, coexisting, suffering, and perhaps weeping. They are shadows, images, forms of human passion ,anti-passions, and the apparent movement of the work of art (Dorfles). Everything about the appearance and meanings of the form is ambiguous. Dynamic sensations, multiplicity of form, a dynamism that tends to make forms and volumes universal, radical manifestations of their medium with a place for imagination and everything that springs from it. Castañeda allows himself to be seduced by the experiences of man reflecting on the reasons for his being, on the mysterious causes of his existential problems, and on the very essence of his existence. The same man who makes other men suffer. The same man who kills other men. The man who takes delight in torturing his fellow men and who becomes entranced by evil. Whirlwinds in the void, according to Giacometti. Reflection and doubts in the face of being, the being in the “to be” and the “not to be”. These are just some of the questions that Victor Hugo Castañeda poses and answers with his realistic figures. In this way, this sculptor of the eloquent mass, of controlled bulk, go the curving, caressing form demonstrates his aesthetic and formal interest in structuring archetypal identities: the ideal woman - naked, voluptuous, reclining in a sexually provocative position, a callipygian Venus. These women represent the fevered and inexhaustible worship of beauty, of what, without knowing the full story, might be rediscovered traditional form and the new beauty. Forever valid. In other interpretations of the imaginative and real concept of thought, Castañeda chooses to use geometry and so, in blocks, we see a multitude of anonymous beings suffering the pain of their solitude and of the sadness of genocide. But the sculptor is no more than a witness. His remains separate and does not share in their suffering. He only leaves terribly cruel testimonies of what is a true reality and not a fragile fantasy or an elusive shadow of criticism or moral crisis. He assumes the same attitudes as Manzu, Roszak, Mastroianni, Richier, and Beckman. Nevertheless, Victor Hugo Castañeda possesses what has been called a “Utopian point of view”, from which everything should be rewritten or reinterpreted. They may be fresh symbols and different ideas, but in the end, they represent man in the tribulations and dramas of existence. Castañeda`s art is made up of anxieties and retrospective visions. This is the same man who - today and yesterday - contemplated the stars, wrote poetry, longed for respect, made love in hope and lust, seduced and turned pale, created and left his mark for posterity, spoke in prose and poetry, succumbed to beauty or to the unexpectedness of the ephemeral, created religions and even invented the idea of God and eternity, or who thought about mathematics and geometry, but who destroyed everything in his path - in spite of, or perhaps because of, all this. All Castañeda`s present work reveals his anguish and his need to bear witness to what happens in the world. A tragic, reduced world, far removed from Utopia and good intentions. the complexity of the current scene gives him the opportunity to let out his expressionist scream and leave behind his images, which are radically beautiful within the confines of their meaning. It is a revolutionary nostalgia, but it is traditionally fashioned, achieved, revealed, and structured, With the manual work coming after the idea, of course. And this is something that Victor Hugo Castañeda has understood extremely well, as he creates order from the traditional pantheon of images and from the novelty go the astonishing, the plurality of forms, of human beings fused together, huddled in protest against their fate, the fate of humanity and, sadly, the date of thought. Castañeda knows that, in a society that is automated, dehumanized, technical, and hostile, the only way to arouse awareness and produce something ideological revolutionary, and cathartic is by rising man to an ideal, to a sublime voice of spirituality - a spirituality rendered in forms that will say things about the higher feelings of that same man who has surrendered to the devastation of criminal thought and suicidal acts. For Castañeda, Epstein, Moore, Lipschitz, Voulkos, Lipsi, Avramidis, and others, the human form is a point of reference, an aesthetic ideal that both contains and conveys the sorrows and the depths of thoughts and feeling. Hence its dynamic design and its sturdy yet febrile structure. Hence the consecration of man and his home, the abode of his grandeur, and his inviolable privacy. Castañeda´s sculpture is a private, realist, and eloquent art that does not shrink from existential affirmations or the tumult of ideas to present its truth - the truth of art and the truthfulness of what is eloquent. It is an art that speaks - in spite of its unwavering voice and its legacy status - of its myths and its realities. When Castañeda shows his sculptures in the Mexico City Metro. the people at whom all art´s realities are supposed to be aimed will be brought face to face with a subtle art. Truth is art is an invention like abstraction. Art and artist. It`s the same thing at the beginning and at the end.
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Técnica: Bronce El Arte de Victor Hugo Castañeda Medidas: 19x58x32” Hace algunos años visité el atelier de un conocido artista mexicano. Esa visita abrió mis ojos al talento singular de uno de los más brillantes escultores de México - Víctor Hugo Castañeda - cuyas esculturas han sobrepasado nuestras fronteras y están diseminadas alrededor del mundo, adornando las casas de coleccionistas americanos, canadienses, europeos y asiáticos. Para mencionar algunos que son muy conocidos: Alain Delon y Anthony Quinn. Su obra está expuesta permanentemente en Las Mañanitas y Las Quintas, ambos restaurantes y hoteles de fama mundial, considerados Tesóros del Estádo de Morelos, México, además del Hotel Princess Acapulco, Rancho La Puerta, Baja California Sur, y otras galerías de prestigio internacional. El Museo de Arte Moderno en Punta de Éste, Uruguay y el Museo de la Ciudad de Cuernavaca, así como varios edificios públicos en México, son orgullosos propietarios que muestran su obra. Víctor Hugo Castañeda es extensamente laureado por su increíble maestría que muestra a la mujer al máximo de su belleza. Sus inefables semblanzas, esculpidas en ónix, mármol y bronce parecen estar a punto de respirar y constituyen un testimonio a la gloria de la mujer. Víctor Hugo domina diferentes estilos de la escultura que siempre cautiva a sus seguidores. Desde el clásico, a los dramáticos ángulos y planos de su obra religiosa que impacta al observador imbuyéndole en cada escena, como la del Crísto Crucificado o María abrazando el cuerpo de su Hijo muerto. Sus más recientes creaciones provocan inmediata sonrísas al mostrar el lado humorístico del escultor cuando juguetonamente moldea a sus “Cuquis” (damas gordas así bautizadas por el) en poses graciosas. La serie de “Cuquis” ha resultado muy popular con su numerosa clientela. Sus diversas, perov siempre mágicas mujeres, son un plus necesario dentro de toda colección valiosa. Laura Fernández McGregor Maza Poeta y Autora
The Art of Victor Hugo Castañeda Several years ago I visited the atelier of a well known Mexican artist. It opened my eyes to the singular talent of one of Mexico´s most brilliant sculptors - Victor Hugo Castañeda - whose sculptures have surpassed our borders and are disseminated around the world adorning the homes of many Americans, Canadians, Europeans and Asians collectors. To mention a few, that are widely known; Alain Delon and Anthony Quinn. His work is on permanent display in Las Mananitas and Las Quintas, world-famous restaurants and hotels considered Treasures of the state of Morelos, Mexico, as well as in the Hotel Princess in Acapulco, Rancho La Puerta, Baja California Sur, and other internationally prestigious galleries. The Museum of Modern Art in Punta del Este, Uruguay and Cuernavaca`s City Museum, as well as various public buildings in Mexico proudly own and shows his work. Victor Hugo Castañeda is widely acclaimed for his uncanny artistry as he depicts woman in their utmost beauty. The remarkable lifelike semblances of his onyx, marble and bronze sculptures are his testament to their glory.Victor Hugo dominates different styles of sculpture that always captivate his followers. From the classical, to the dramatic angles and planesof his religious figures which impact the viewer imbueing him into each different scene, such as thecrucified Christ or Mary embracing the body of herdead son. His most recent creations provoke an immediate smile as they bring forth the humorous side of his personality when he playfully depicts his “Coquis” (fat ladies named Coquis by him) in gracious poses. The “Cuquis” series has proven to be verypopular among his numerous clientele. His diverse, but always magical women, are must in all worthwhile collections. Laura Fernandez McGregor Maza Poet and Author
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Cuquis en Monociclo Técnica: Bronce Medidas: 17 x 9 x 11”
Equilibrista sobre pie Técnica: Bronce Medidas: 14 x 11 x 7”
El Sueño de Cuquis Técnica: Bronce Medidas: 22 x 12 x 19”
Cuquis Cazadora Técnica: Bronce Medidas: 20 x 10 x 9”
Equilibrista sobre mano Técnica: Bronce Medidas: 20 x 11 x 9”
Cuquis Meditando Técnica: Bronce Medidas: 12.5 x 11 x 9”
Aplausos Técnica: Bronce Medidas: 18 x 11 x 8”
Cuquis con aro Técnica: Bronce Medidas: 22 x 8 x 5.5”
Individual Exhibitions 1983 1984 1986 1988 1990 1991 1992 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2003 2004 2006 2007 2011 D.F.
Collective Exhibitions
1980-1990 · Embajada Americana, Ciudad de México. 1983-1988 · Eogain, Ciudad de México. · Art Expo, New York, U.S.A. 1983-1985 · Dirección General Multi banco Mercantil, Ciudad de México. · Art Expo, Dallas, Texas, U.S.A. 1984 · Summa Art Presidente Chapultepec, Ciudad de México. · Inauguración Galería Arte Núcleo, Ciudad de México. · Centro Médico, Tucson, Arizona, U.S.A. 1985 · Club de Golf Tabachines, Cuernavaca, Mor. · Exposición a beneficio de PRONATURA. Ciudad de México. · Feria del Arte Colegio Americano, Ciudad de México. · Tecnológico de Monterrey, Campus Estado de México. 1987 · Club de Banqueros de México, A.C., Ciudad de México. · Tecnológico de Monterrey, Monterrey, N.L. · Colegio Israelita, Ciudad de México. · Inauguración Galería Yitzel, Cuernavaca, Mor. 1988 · Galería Arte Núcleo, Ciudad de México. · Galería Yitzel, Cuernavaca Mor. · Club de Banqueros, Ciudad de México. · Galería Citlalli, Cuernavaca, Mor. 1990 · Hotel Camino Real Sumiya, Cuernavaca, Mor. · Club de Golf Bellavista, Ciudad de México 1992 · Hostería Las Quintas, Cuernavaca, Mor. · Art Expo, Los Angeles, California, U.S.A. · Club de Golf Tabachines, Cuernavaca, Mor. 1993 · Jardín Borda, Cuernavaca, Mor. · Galería Yitzel, Cuernavaca, Mor. · Club de Golf Tabachines, Cuernavaca, Mor. · Hostería Las Quintas, Cuernavaca, Mor. · Arte Núcleo, Ciudad de México. · Galería Citlalli, Cuernavaca, Mor. · Galería Siete, Cuernavaca, Mor. · Una Noche de Arte, Ciudad de México. · Galería Tere Hass, Ciudad de México. · Galería Lourdes Chumacera, Ciudad de México. 1994 · Clime Fine Art Gallery, New Mexico, U.S.A. · Jacov Javits Center, New York, U.S.A. · Museo Cuauhnáhuac, Cuernavaca, Mor. 1995 · Galería Citlalli, Cuernavaca, Mor. · Club de Golf Tabachines, Cuernavaca, Mor. · Hostería Las Quintas, Cuernavaca, Mor. · Galería Siete, Cuernavaca, Mor. 1997 · Galería Citlalli, Cuernavaca, Mor. · Art Expo, New York, U.S.A. 1999 · Galería Lourdes Chumacera, Ciudad de México · Museo Cuauhnáhuac, Cuernavaca, Mor. · Coronado Art Gallery, California, U.S.A.
· Clim Fine Art Gallery, New Mexico, U.S.A. · Galería Lourdes Chumacera, Ciudad de México. · Galería Las Quintas, Cuernavaca, Mor. · Centro Cultural Universitario, Cuernavaca, Mor. · Hospital Infantil, Cuernavaca, Mor. · Galería Rayón, Acapulco, Gro. · Galería Arte al Sur, Acapulco, Gro. · Hotel Fairmont Acapulco Princess, Acapulco, Gro. · Galería Pedro Gerson Centro Deportivo Israelita México, · Galería Casa de Arte Buffalo, Buffalo, N.Y. U.S.A.
Works in Museums and Public Places
· Museo de la Ciudad - Cuernavaca, Mor. · Museo de Arte Moderno - Punta del Este, Uruguay. · Tecnológico de Monterrey, Campus Estado de México. · H. Ayuntamiento de Cuernavaca. · Club de Golf Tabachines, Cuernavaca, Mor. · Club de Golf Santa fe, Cuernavaca, Mor. · Hotel Fairmont Acapulco Princess, Acapulco, Gro. · Rancho La Puerta SPA, Tecate, B.C. · Hostería Las Quintas, Cuernavaca, Mor. · Las Mañanitas Hotel, Garden, Restaurant & Spa.
Víctor Hugo Castañeda was born in La Palma, Michoacán, México, on august 30, 1947. In 1969 he began his career as an artist at the National School of Paint and Sculpture “La Esmeralda” at the National Institute of Fine Art in Mexico City. During his artistic studies he collaborated with world recognized artists.
Víctor Hugo Castañeda Tel. +52 (777) 162 8152 Cuernavaca, Morelos, México. victorhugocastaneda@gmail.com