IN the sumptuous galleries of Suma Orientalis Fine Art, located in the upscale neighbourhood of Damansara Heights, the final chapter of Ricardo Chavez Tovar's captivating art series entitled "The Muse Came To My Show Dropping Her Crown At My Art Installation" unfolds.
The first chapter of this project, "The Muse is not Available", was first released back in 2006, marking the beginning of this exploration of the sacred feminine.
Building upon his other exhibits, this exhibition will emphasise the muse's silhouette, symbolising several myths and is the culmination of his comprehensive research journey over two decades.
This exhibition, marking the end of his "Tropikal Avant-Dark" series, will conclude its mesmerising run on Feb 4.
DELVING DEEPER INTO ART
Tovar isn't just any artist; he is a maestro of the photogram — a medieval technique for capturing images — which transforms light into haunting visual narratives.
In this latest exhibition, visitors will find themselves enveloped in a world where shadows and light play across the surfaces, creating a tapestry of myths and stories. Tovar's art, known for its depth and complexity, encourages a journey into the realms of spirituality and the subconscious.
The heart of Tovar's work lies in his ability to blend the whimsical with the profound. The figures in his photograms, set against stark black backgrounds, merge shamanic rituals with Dadaist playfulness. His art is not just about viewing; it's about experiencing, questioning and interpreting.
Head of Fine Arts at Equator Art College, Tovar's educational journey spanned the United States, Canada and China. He graduated from the National School of Painting, Sculpture and Printmaking in Mexico City in 1983, and studied Chinese painting at the China National Academy of Fine Art in 1999.
His expertise ranges from printmaking to sculpture, embodying a versatility that defies traditional categorisation. His work is an amalgamation of disciplined study and a free-spirited exploration of artistic mediums.
In 1995, he won first prize in the Snow Sculpture Contest at Snowfest, Ontario, Canada. His solo exhibitions include "The Subtle Harmony of a Dead End" (Suma Orientalis Fine Art, 2023), "TROPIKAL AVANT-DARK" (Suma Orientalis Fine Art, 2019) and "Albino Shadows on the Tiger's Tail" (Alliance Française, Penang, 2011). He's also been part of group exhibitions like "Is Art Serious?" (Darling Muse Gallery, Kuala Lumpur, 2006) and "Starting" (Shanghai Art Museum, China, 1996).
Tovar stands as a testament to the belief that art transcends mere visual pleasure. His installations and assemblages, crafted through a unique process that eschews the camera for light-sensitive paper in a dark room, narrate stories in silhouettes. Each piece is a chapter in a larger narrative, revealing the depths of Tovar's artistic vision.
His art is a journey into the unknown, where each creation is a discovery. Tovar's exhibitions are not merely displays of artistic prowess, but are immersive experiences that invite viewers to delve into their own spirituality and subconscious.
His belief in the originality and constant evolution of art is evident in every aspect of his work, from the craftsmanship of each piece to its thoughtful presentation.
As "The Muse Came To My Show Dropping Her Crown At My Art Installation" draws his enigmatic series to a close; it not only marks the end of an era for Tovar, but also opens a new chapter in the appreciation of fine arts.
It is a testament to the power of art to evoke emotion, provoke thought and inspire wonder. In Tovar's world, art is not just seen; it is felt, experienced and lived.
THE MUSE CAME TO MY SHOW DROPPING HER CROWN AT MY ART INSTALLATION
Where: Suma Orientalis Fine Art, The Five@KPD, B-3a-1, Level 3A, Block B, Jalan Dungun, Damansara Heights, Kuala Lumpur
When: Until Feb 4
Time: 10.30am-6.30pm. Closed on Mondays and public holidays.