Tree of Life 1987

Carlos Almaraz created this ‘Tree of Life’ painting with generous applications of oil paint. The way Almaraz has used the material is striking. Thick strokes create a sense of texture and depth, with dynamic brushwork that seems to almost vibrate on the canvas. The pigment has been applied with an expressive intensity, building up layers of color, creating a lively effect. This is quite different from the smooth, blended surfaces you might find in more academic painting, where the artist's hand is less visible. Instead, here, the viscous quality of the oil paint gives the painting a tangible, almost sculptural presence, allowing the artist to build up a complex composition of layered figures and symbolic elements. Almaraz’s distinct approach elevates the materiality of paint itself. The emphasis on gesture brings a rawness, aligning with the broader artistic and cultural movements challenging traditional notions of fine art. By focusing on the tactile properties of paint and the act of painting, Almaraz transcends traditional distinctions of fine art and craft.