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Richard Moreno Jr.
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Mexican artist born to celebrate Mexico's cultural
Heritage
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By Benjamin Francisco Hernandez
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CONTINUED...
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The pre-Columbians were tribal
and spiritual. It was so unique. They had to manage to work together
to meet the challenges of nature."
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The conquest of Mexico was
to destroy the culture. Even the Manifest Destiny was the second
conquest of Mexico. The technology revolution has the potential to be
another weapon of cultural genocide. We Latinos can either use
technology to preserve our own images, history and spiritual icons or
see them distorted, perverted, destroyed or ignored! Once again the
"electronic textbooks," the Internet images of today, can
inaccurately document once again who we are!
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Rick was once commissioned
to paint a mural on the tropical landscapes of the Philippines.
Although he had never been there he actively researched the area,
including the plants and trees of the region, to accurately portray
the sense of respect and appreciation for nature. Since he himself is
not Phillipino nor had he ever visited there, he felt the obligation
to honor the Phillipino images he was commissioned to paint. He had
to use reading skills and technology skills to research the area.
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He needed to study the
history, cultural symbolism and natural resources of the area. He had
to become familiar with the people, their fashion, and their facial
features too. He needed to use math skills to prepare the mural for
size and depth and perspective.
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He had to work hard to
preserve and honor their mural project. Rick was willing to do this because
he has a sincere respect and tolerance for diversity. He is a true
historian and promotes the beauty of cultures. He is an expert on
Mexica symbolism and honors and preserves these spiritual icons for
our youth today.
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Rick knew that he had a mission
and desire to preserve these icons, symbols and images for others to
see and enjoy. He felt a strong desire to share the pride and joy he
experienced in awesome, beautiful sunsets of Puerto Vallarta and the
detailed and elaborate architecture of the historical buildings,
museums, missions and cathedrals of Mexico. Since then, Rick makes a
yearly pilgrimage back to his roots. He renews his sense of pride and
feeling of connecting spiritually to the past to focus his present
direction. He strongly feels an inner responsibility to bring the
"best of Mexico, the art, the music the culture and the sense of
spiritual unity to Mexicanos
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And Chicanos north of the
Mexico /U.S. border.
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Later, Rick moved to San Jose
to join a Mexican folklorico dance group called Los Lupenos. Later, Los Lupenos
joined with the Xochipilli dance group. Rick has also developed his love
of the music. He currently is a director of Los Cumbancheros. His group
plays Jarocho, Huasteco, Michoacan, Boleros, Corridos and music regional
to Alta California He has studied intensively the traditional music and
dances of specific regions of Mexico. He continues to perform for groups
large and small, and share his love and knowledge of visual and
performing arts with everyone. Ironically, Richard Moreno, Jr. who was
once a reluctant student in school, is now an instructor of history,
music and culture through his presentations and performances! He
considers himself a realist/surrealist because he paints landscapes and
portraits and mystical Mexica symbolism. Rick is also a muralist.
"To me, art is an expression," he relates. "It's something
that I'm compelled to do."
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(Article
Reprinted from Lowrider Arte, 02)
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Contact Rick Moreno for Custom
Art Designs At: 408-293-2979
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Zapata (Limited Print Run
)- Now On Sale
Call Today for your custom signed copy.
Enlarge Image Here
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