Papalote Painting

Carlos Navarrete is an artist from a small village on the Pacific coast of Mexico; Lagunillas, National Pinotepa, Oaxaca. Of his large family, he is the only one to have chosen the colorful path of the artist. At age fourteen, Carlos began to experiment with paintbrushes and appreciate the beauty of colors. Reverend Glyn Jemmott Jamison, a parochial priest from El Ciruelo, Oaxaca, motivated Carlos to paint. Carlos was also taught to paint by Mario Guzman Olivares, an artist from Oaxaca. Early on, Carlos studied farming techniques in National Pinotepa, Oaxaca. His desire to attend art school was limited by the economic hardships of his family and the idea that the study of art was a luxury that poor people could not afford. Carlos was criticized, even abused, for his way of thinking, dreams of becoming an artist, and unique perception of the world. He came to the United States at age seventeen seeking relief from economic and social oppression, to learn about new cultures, and to pursue his dreams of becoming an artist. Painting was merely a hobby at that time. Carlos only fantasized about exhibiting his work someday. Carlos' dream has been realized thanks to his persistence and the encouragement he has received from friends and acquaintances. Carlos inspiration is derived from the sights, sounds, smells, and traditions of the Afro-Zapotec culture. His expressionist style is vibrant and provides intriguing insights into his history, inner-self, and unique perception of the world. Carlos continues to seek new ways to reinvent and express himself. He practices what he was taught by his uncle and confidant, Teofilo Corcuera Morga, that there should be no limitations in life and that each individual should be encouraged to experience and interpret the world in his/her own special way.