Manrique Torres
Resides in: Venice, CA
Email: Duncan@jamesgraygallery.com
Web Site: www.manriquetorres.com
Sales Contact
James Gray Gallery
(310) 315-9502
Resume:
Manrique Torres, a Costa Rican artist, was born in Tibas--a small town near the capital city of San Jose, Costa Rica.
Sensing his destiny waited in the world beyond, he left his home as a young man, leaving behind all family and friends. Armed with little other than a faith in himself to succeed, and an adventurous, rebellious spirit, he traveled until he reached Los Angeles. He settled In Venice, a place where he felt a strong connection to the community. The proximity to the beach and ocean allowed him to feel closer to nature, a very important part of his life that he left behind in Costa Rica. The creativity in the area inspired him, and the eclectic and diverse mix of people living and working in Venice, their thoughts and ideals, appealed to his belief in living life on his own terms.
Manrique has always been driven to create his art, and for many years would work long hours in an office for months at a time, so he could then afford to take the time off and dedicate himself to his art until the necessity of paying bills forced him back into the office work place once again.
Over the last few years, he has had the opportunity to dedicate most of his time to creating his art. Having always painted in oils to this point, he started exploring with other forms of art using different resins and media to create a new style of work that is uniquely his own. Some of his newer art reflect his love of nature - ocean, mountains, sky and an inner peace he often feels with both nature and the world around him. In contradiction, other work created during this time period reflect his inner conflict with the urban and industrialized cities, the beauty of their structures, the impact they have on the global environment, and the people who control and make the decisions that affect both.
Light, whether natural or generated, and the role it plays in art, life, love and mood has also been an important part of Manriques life. As a result, it was a natural progression for him to start creating lighting that is both functional and elegant.
Manrique believes that creating art is a healing therapy that he has himself experienced and wishes to share with others. Working with children, he believes art can change the way they view life. Art allows them to express their feelings in a new and more positive way that can bring them inner peace. He has volunteered his time with at risk children on a regular basis in South Central Los Angeles, showing them that there are other ways to express their feelings and bringing them an awareness that they can transport themselves to a better world though paint and a brush.
Sensing his destiny waited in the world beyond, he left his home as a young man, leaving behind all family and friends. Armed with little other than a faith in himself to succeed, and an adventurous, rebellious spirit, he traveled until he reached Los Angeles. He settled In Venice, a place where he felt a strong connection to the community. The proximity to the beach and ocean allowed him to feel closer to nature, a very important part of his life that he left behind in Costa Rica. The creativity in the area inspired him, and the eclectic and diverse mix of people living and working in Venice, their thoughts and ideals, appealed to his belief in living life on his own terms.
Manrique has always been driven to create his art, and for many years would work long hours in an office for months at a time, so he could then afford to take the time off and dedicate himself to his art until the necessity of paying bills forced him back into the office work place once again.
Over the last few years, he has had the opportunity to dedicate most of his time to creating his art. Having always painted in oils to this point, he started exploring with other forms of art using different resins and media to create a new style of work that is uniquely his own. Some of his newer art reflect his love of nature - ocean, mountains, sky and an inner peace he often feels with both nature and the world around him. In contradiction, other work created during this time period reflect his inner conflict with the urban and industrialized cities, the beauty of their structures, the impact they have on the global environment, and the people who control and make the decisions that affect both.
Light, whether natural or generated, and the role it plays in art, life, love and mood has also been an important part of Manriques life. As a result, it was a natural progression for him to start creating lighting that is both functional and elegant.
Manrique believes that creating art is a healing therapy that he has himself experienced and wishes to share with others. Working with children, he believes art can change the way they view life. Art allows them to express their feelings in a new and more positive way that can bring them inner peace. He has volunteered his time with at risk children on a regular basis in South Central Los Angeles, showing them that there are other ways to express their feelings and bringing them an awareness that they can transport themselves to a better world though paint and a brush.
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