Artist Spotlight: “Covid-19 Trump”
By Perlita R. Dicochea
Admitting that his work has become much more sardonic since COVID-19 reached the U.S., Oakland-based artist Diego Marcial Rios shares his latest painting, “Covid-19-Trump.” Below the image is his description of the piece that holds a second title of “Trump Monster.” He encourages artists to create through the pandemic. “This will be over. We will get through this. And artists need to continue to share their work,” Rios asserted.
The dark painting was rendered with acrylics on a panel measuring 11” x 14”. The iconography depicts my nightmarish vision of the COVID-19 crisis. I have painted a winged demon representing the COVID-19 virus at the top of the painting. This demon is accompanied by two green serpents that are devouring humans. On the top left of the painting I have painted the horned head of Donald Trump. The imagery at the bottom of the painting includes three standing human figures wearing protective face masks. These human figures represent humanity’s resistance to the devastating virus.
ABOUT THE ARTIST: Ancient myths and legends intermingle with today’s issues to inspire the intricate art of Diego Marcial Rios. He creates explosions of color and texture in paintings, masks, woodcuts, and book illustrations. Inspired by Latin history including Aztec and Mayan symbols, Rios celebrates life, explores death, and confronts social and economic justice relevant today. His fanciful and provocative style is honored worldwide in museums including San Francisco’s Legion of Honor. Rios works daily on new creations. After three decades, he continues to be a low profile but highly respected treasure in the art world.
Rios’ paintings, woodcuts, and masks have been included in more than 500 exhibitions in the USA, Asia, and Europe. His dynamic work is featured in a number of Museum Collections including the Laguna Beach Museum, Laguna Beach, CA.; Museo National De La Estampa, Mexico City, Mexico, and in public collections including the San Francisco Mission Cultural Center, C; Harriet Taubman Gallery, MD; and the Irish Arts Council, Belfast, Ireland.
Rios conducts an ongoing series of very popular workshops including Sacred Heart/Mask-Making in the Mexican Tradition in Berkeley, CA, and Mask-Making for Carnival in San Francisco, CA.
In addition, Rios is an engaging and motivating speaker, and he welcomes opportunities to share his passion for creative expression with all audiences, from curious youth to imaginative adults.
