Join me in welcoming Karlo Henry to aNewsCafe.com today as we learn more about him, and the event he’s brought to Redding, Art OUTside: A Celebration of Local LGBTQ+ Artists. which happens Sunday.
Born in Barcelona, Karlo Henry is an avid explorer of the “New World” and lives in Redding.
He graduated as an electronic engineer but continued his art education at The Instituto Tecnologico de Monterrey, Instituto de Bellas Artes de Queretaro and University of Texas in Arlington.
His style began as collages deeply influenced by religious art and artists like Miro and Velazquez and later evolved into more surreal portraits of hearts as seen in the series “CorazonEs:” (“HeartIs:”). He has created a diverse range of paintings that demonstrated influences from popular Spanish Surrealists Remedios Varo and Salvador Dali mixed with Mexican folklore and painters like Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera.
After looking for a place in fine art galleries, he felt more at home in the emerging underground art scene in Dallas-Fort Worth which gave him the opportunity to be part of a collective, help create new venues, curate shows and even sell his works overseas.
His latest works are very illustrative, combining his love of ’70’s and ’80’s animation, fashion and the Pop movement of American culture. The subjects in his paintings and the use of color give his works a funny, light-hearted air. But if you look closer, you could find a commentary about gender and the importance of staying close to your inner child.
Most often you will find him in his “studio room”, head bowed over a painting, or rescuing treasures at the nearest thrift store, watching movies and old cartoons, or since moving to Redding, walking one of the many trails and enjoying nature.
Hi, Karlo. I know this is a busy week as you work on your Sunday exhibit, but I wanted to catch up with you and talk about this upcoming art event. First, how do you describe this event to someone you’re meeting for the first time?
Art OUTside is mostly an attempt to bring to the forefront creative people in town, to create a community of artists and show to the public that art comes in all forms and styles.
We want to give local artists a chance to share their craft and maybe inspire others to do the same in the future.
Can you tell a bit about your art?
I can tell you that I enjoy working on it!
Like most artists, I’ve gone through several phases (not all of them very successful). I grew up seeing the old masters, art in churches and public places. So, when I started making “stuff”, I tried to emulate what I saw (mostly painting and sculpting). It all changed when my family moved to Mexico, where folk art is colorful and bright. And again, when I moved to the States.
I paint what I love and how I feel. I feed off what I see (either a color, a print, a shape) and after all these years I want to make things that make me happy and connect me to my childhood.
I was a kid in the ’80s, I so loved popular culture, cartoons, and movies. I still want to comment on things that are important to me, but in a more subtle way, and through humor.
Karlo Henry, Oil
What’s the backstory about how this event was born?
The idea came about after being at the Cultural District Summit. As an artist, I was surprised that there was not more focus in nurturing a healthy artists’ community. So, Carrie Jo from NorCal OUTreach Project wanted to get people together and come up with ideas for an art event. After a little of brainstorming we came up with this idea, and we got one of the grants offered.
In the end, we wanted to showcase local LGBTQ+ creative people, to let local artists “come OUT” and show what they’ve got. And what better way to do all that and have it at one of the most recognizable outdoor areas in town (Turtle Bay Exploration Park).
Claudia Caldarola, Acrylic
Can you tell a bit about the range of artists?
I think we have an amazing lineup. In total, 15 artists will showcase their work. From first-timers to a little more experience ones.
Illustrators, painters, photographers, object-makers and even a poet, all in different stages of their career but all talented, north state artists.
Israel Zamudio, Acrylic
Why was it important to you for this to be an LGBTQ art show?
I think everything lined up at the right moment.
I’ve been wanting to build connections with other artists in town, to find a more free way to create and showcase art. I wanted to prove that Redding has everything to have those spaces, and people will respond to them.
I have to go down to the Bay Area to show my paintings and to find those places. Why not make it happen here?
When Norcal OUTreach wanted to have a go for one of the grants, it was a perfect opportunity.
As a gay male, I want to show that the LGBTQ community is a creative community. Not just stereotypes, but a productive and positive part of society.
Also, this is an all-inclusive event, not all of the artists are LGBT. We are welcoming allies the same way we want to be included; side by side creating something for our town.
Yes, this event was put together by LGBT people, but for the benefit of all of us, for artists and the public alike.
-
- Rosie Palacios – Acrylic
Is there anything else you’d like us to know?
Art OUTside is not only an “artists market” — but we will have interactive activities (squirt-gun painting and sidewalk chalk drawing), a food truck, music and a lot of good vibes. So come out, support the local artists and make a day of it.
It sounds like a lot of fun, and it’s meaningful, too. Thank you, Karlo, and everyone who worked to bring this event to Redding. I will see you there.
