“Luis Tapia is a pioneering Chicano artist who for forty-five years has pushed the art of polychrome wood sculpture to new levels of craftsmanship and social and political commentary. Tapia’s extraordinary figurative works speak to the complexity of a multilayered Latino/Hispano/Chicano identity, history, and contemporary culture, offering compelling insights and challenging perspectives on life in the barrio, on the border, and beyond.
Rooted in a folk art tradition established in seventeenth-century New Mexico, Tapia’s work at once honors its origins, reinterprets traditional subject matter, and revitalizes age-old techniques. Setting his subjects in innovative spatial and conceptual environments, Tapia illuminates the social, political, and religious issues of yesterday and today, and the joy and humor of daily life. His meticulously carved and painted figures flaunt brilliant color and intricate detail, utilizing symbols from history and popular culture with profound, playful, or provocative visual effect.”
Articles:
Santa Fean Luis Tapia’s lowrider is first to be on permanent display at the National Hispanic Cultural Center
“The Santa Fe-based artist landed his coveted piece, “A Slice of American Pie” at the National Hispanic Cultural Center, which is now on permanent display at the art museum.”