BACK TO XISPAS GALLERY

"Solidarity"
Mark Vallen 2006
Oil on masonite - 18" x 24"

Mark Vallen is proficient in painting, drawing, and printmaking. He is a unique chronicler of the American experience and an accomplished social realist for the early 21st century.

The painting at left was shown at the 2006 exhibition,
At Work: The Art of California Labor - an exhibit mounted at the historic Pico House gallery on L.A.'s founding avenue, Olvera Street.

"She Who Wears Bells On Her Cheeks"
Mark Vallen 1993. Chalk Pastel on Paper - 2 1/2' X 5 1/2'

Here's what the artist has to say about his drawing at right:

"The Aztec Goddess of the Moon was named, 'She Who Wears Bells on Her Cheeks' (Coayolquaxi). In this life sized portrait of an anonymous Chicana, I portrayed my subject holding a printed reproduction of the Moon Goddess."

From December 2001 through September 2003, some of Vallen's prints were included in the traveling exhibit, Just Another Poster? Chicano Graphic Arts in California, which was organized by the University Art Museum - University of California - Santa Barbara. Today Vallen focuses on easel painting, and is currently involved in writing for his weblog - Art For A Change.

To see more of Vallen's artworks,
visit his website at: www.markvallen.com.