My questions were (and of many people who I have conversed with on the topic) were, "Who was this man? Why have I never heard of him?". This is where my mother would inject something like, "Los profetas son desconocidos en su propia tierra ". (Prophets are unknown in their own land.) I wanted to know more about his work and so I googled his name and found a few things such as pictures of three paintings, a short bio and an artist statement. Here are some samples from the page I found the information on. Check the actual webpage out.
Alfredo Bustinza
Bustinza-A
20 x 30
Oils
Here is what he had to say about art:
"The extension of the year 2000, as an artist, would consist not of social reform or cultural influences, but of new technology and new ideas, which will mesh the world together, and in return, enhances new views of exploration. The individual cities and towns will be facing new advanced stages of changes. These changes will continue to mold the underlying value system that is the Americas. In return to the next generations that will precede the millennium, this is what I perceive as an artist."
I think he is stating that future artists now have technology as a force to contend with as a generator of ideas and bridge of communication. His work exemplifies an expressionist style and it evokes the influence of Jackson Pollack's early work (before the drip paintings) and it also reminds me of Basquiat. Bustinza's enthusiasm for Pollack is also evident in his choice to paint a portrait of the artist.
Alfredo Bustinza
Portrait of Jackson Pollack
30 x 30
Oil on canvas
Update:
The Herald ran another piece on Bustinza's life and art. Read it by clicking here.
19 comments:
I read the post on Alfredo Bustinza and did a bit of research. This is what I located...
Alfredo Bustinza attended Ebony Heights Elementary, Cummings Junior High, and was a 1976 graduate from Homer Hanna High School. At the age of 18, Bustinza, a talented artist, presented his first exhibition, “All Mixed Media,” in Houston, Texas.
Shortly after his high school graduation, Bustinza, began his college education at Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Texas where he eventually earned a Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts and remained on the National Dean’s List for the majority of his undergraduate program. Upon graduation from Texas Tech University in 1980, Fred moved to New Brunswick, New Jersey to attend Rutger’s University and, in 1983, received a Master of Arts in Fine Arts degree. While in graduate school, Bustinza furthered his artistic career by displaying his art at various galleries throughout the nation. During the late 1980s, Bustinza held countless exhibitions, among them include: the Lerner Heller Gallery in New York City; the University of Tampa; the Lachaven Art Center in Tampa; the Museum of Contemporary Hispanic Art in New York City; the Lubbock Fine Arts Center in Lubbock; the Blue Starr Group in San Antonio; the Midtown Art Center in Houston; the Multicultural Center in Corpus Christi; and the Blue Collar Gallery in San Antonio. Throughout the 1990’s, Bustinza held exhibitions at The Visual Arts Annex Gallery in San Antonio, the Art Museum of South Texas in Corpus Christi; and the Robinson Gallery in Houston.
Aside from his countless exhibitions, Bustinza’s work was recognized by a number of the world’s most renowned institutions. He was nominated for “Awards in the Visual Arts” sponsored by the Equitable Life Insurance Society, the Rockefeller Foundation, and the National Endowment for the Arts. Another nomination was made by the Texas Arts Award for “Distinguished Contributions to the Arts.” Bustinza was also a recipient of an artistic grant funded by the Pollock-Krasner Foundation and another grant financed by the National Endowment for the Arts. He was later granted a fellowship by the Jentel Artist Residency Program to further develop his skills and hone his artistic talent.
In 1997, Mr. Bustinza received the greatest accolade of all. His work was archived into the Smithsonian Institute in Washington, D.C. as a part of a permanent collection of the American artists who were bestowed grants from the National Endowment for the Arts.
Most recently, Alfredo Bustinza sought pleasure in giving back to the community which had been so kind to him by donating artistic works to different philanthropic causes throughout the greater Brownsville area. He led a mural painting project at the Good Neighbor Settlement House and participated in a “Wine and Cheese Art Auction” to benefit abused children.
Throughout the latter part of his career, Alfredo continued to travel the nation exhibiting his works at such galleries as the Polk Museum of Art in Lakeland, Florida and Closson’s Art Gallery in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Throughout the years, The Brownsville Herald published several articles about this artist's work and accomplishments. For more information, follow the links listed below.
http://www.brownsvilleherald.com/comments.php?id=20094_0_1_0_C
http://www.brownsvilleherald.com/comments.php?id=20515_0_1_0_C
http://www.brownsvilleherald.com/comments.php?id=25386_0_1_0_C
http://www.brownsvilleherald.com/comments.php?id=30858_0_1_0_C
http://www.brownsvilleherald.com/comments.php?id=35018_0_1_0_C
It is a shame that such an accomplished and talented individual was not more readily recognized in his hometown.
Thanks for giving more background on Mr. Bustinza. I am so impressed by his work! I agree, it is a shame he was not more recognized for his work, both as an artist and community activist. He was a good man and his death is a sad loss for our city. Fortunately, his life was also a gain for our city and I hope his work doesn't go forgotten. Something should be done to recognize this artist's work and to continue his legacy. One suggestion would be the foundation of a scholarship for aspiring artists in our community.
I am sad to hear of Alfredo's death. What a lost. I traveled to Brownville many years ago one Thanksgiving to meet Alfedo after his work was featured in an article in the Houston Chronicle. He was amazed that someone would travel so far to see his works but I like what I saw and purchased a large canvas which is prominated displayed in my home. Tom Kearns
Thank you for your contribution, Tom. My uncle was an extremely talented individual. He will be truly missed, and his absence will forever leave a void in our hearts.
Thank you, Mayra, for providing this space. It gives us a place to congregate and exchange words of solace to help us cope with our loss. I am utterly grateful for this.
Cindy
Cindy, what will become of Alfredo works?
Cindy and Tom,
I am more than glad to share information about the life and work of Alfredo. If you would like to provide any more information and images of his work please send it my way. I would be happy to add on to the post I have on the blog.
With sympathy,
Mayra
Fred Bustinza was my husband. Fred was a talented artist and a brillent person. Fred was a loving,caring and a devoted husband.When we met,it was love at first sight for both of us. Fred had not been married before and we were very happy as a couple. I miss Fred so much but our love is so strong that death cannot destroy it. I am a better person because I met,loved and married Fred Bustinza. Norma in Kentucky
Still miss you Uncle Fred...not a day goes by that I don't think of you and the hole that your departure has left in my heart. Cindy
Fred, It has been a year since you were taken away. I miss everything about you -your laughter,your love of life, your dedication to your painting but most of all I miss my husband and the love that we shared. Tomorrow would have been our fifth wedding anniversity. Each day was special for us. We felt that God blessed our marriage. I am thankful for the special love that we shared and the wonderful memories that will last forever, Your Wife,Norma Sue in Kentucky
THE VERDICT IS IN!
A Brownsville jury has convicted Arturo Rodriguez of murdering Alfredo Bustinza. Sentencing has been set for next month. The Cameron County District Attorney is recommending life in prison.
Pray that justice is served!
does anyone know if Fred Bustinaz's paintings are being sold in Brownville?
I have a painting of Fred's that he give me before his death. I would to see it placed some where like the library or some other place. dock2port@yahoo.com
I have found 2 paintings of Fred Bustinza's on Ebay.
I just found out about Fred Bustinza. He is my cousin. Its crazy, I have always been attracted to art, and did some amateur work a few years back. I want to know more. Please message me at wsp20021980@yahoo.com i am very interested
wsp20021980@yahoo.com,
How are you Fred Bustinza's cousin? What do you want to know?
Alfredo (Fred) Bustinza (1957 – 2005)
Hidden away for some time 50 plus works by the late Alfredo (Fred) Bustinza are now available to the art world.
For additional information please contact me at the email listed.
Website: http://fredbustinza.webs.com Email: art.of.fred.bustinza@gmail.com
See web site for more of the available works
Is the artwork authentic?
I am interested in the purchase of Fred's art collection.....i can be reached at aramirez@rzaustin.com
For anyone interested these works can be authenticated email me at this address art.of.fred.bustinza@gmail.com
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