Pena, Jose

EDUCATION:
City College
New York, NY
Masters in Art Education (1994- 1996)

Parson School of Design
New York, NY
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Illustration (1990-1992)

Altos de Chavon School of Design (Affiliated to Parson)
A.A.S. (1984-1986)
Fine Arts and illustration
Workshop by Antonio Lopez (1986)

EXHIBITS:

Shows in prestigious galleries and Art Museums in Dominican Republic:
Museo Altos de Chavon, La Romana 1987
Centro de la Cultura, Santiago 1988
Casa de Arte, Santiago 1988
Escuela de disenos Laie, Santiago 1989
Club AMAPROSAN, Santiago 1989

In USA exhibitions at:
Senior show Parson School of Design, NY 1992
Friends of public school at Sothebys, Manhattan, 1996
NYCATA shows: Soho and Lincoln Center, NY, NY 1997
Casa de la Cultura Dominicana, NY NY 2003
Casa Tamboril, NY NY 2004
Winter Garden of Columbia Prebysterian Hospital, NY NY 2004
Lorimer Studio, Bklyn, NY 2003
Yonkers Public Library, Yonkers, NY 2003
Duluth Camera of Commerce, Atlanta, GA 2007
Atlanta Artists Center, Buckhead, GA 2008
RevCofee, Atlanta, GA 2009

2nd place and artists merits award at the Dogwood show, Atlanta Artists Center, GA 2009

Art Instructor at Ditmas IS 62 School (October 1993 to present date)
Faux finished for Jonathan Bressler (Demagio Residency in Manhattan)
Furniture for Lerner’s store (1991-92)
Art Instructor in Dominican Republic (1986-1989) at the following places:

• Pontific University of Our Catholic Mother
• Altos de Chavon
• Dominican American Cultural Center
• Laie Fashion Design School

"Art has always been the spark that keeps me going. My art Studio is the sanctuary where I can be in touch with my inner soul. I appreciate the splendor of nature so my artwork is a mirror image of my reminiscences from it.

In 1998, I made a sequence of realistic paintings; this group of artwork is a retort to the need of visually documenting the cultural contributions of the Latin community in NY. Here, I try to identify those features that enhance the metropolis’ splendor, making NY such a diverse and remarkable place.

Currently, I’m working on a series of nonrepresentational artworks, in which I’m experimenting with different color schemes and a variety of textures. These art elements allow me to exteriorize my memories from the Caribbean island where I grew up. Memories such as: the blue tonality richness of the ocean, the display of the diverse green woodlands, the astounding effects of the sunset, etc

To achieve unusual effects, I experiment with different materials, a variety of tools and media, such as: palette knife, cloth net, hardware, modeling paste and found objects. In the process of creating, I attempt to be spontaneous and instinctive allowing my sense to erupt.

In conclusion, my artwork if full of energetic and vibrant colors which is the key that opens the door to perpetuity. It is my way of reaching the firmament and reaffirming my journey to the indefinite. Even though I try to follow art laws, I will always get fulfillment from breaking them and doing the unpredictable."

Artist Website