Photographer wants world to recognize grandfather

For Luis Herrera, art was a matter of survival.

Now his grandson, photographer Mauricio Lopez, is working to get the 95-year-old oil painter the acknowledgement from the art community Lopez feels he deserves.

Herrera’s fascination with art began as a child. Lopez said his grandfather’s relationship with art began at five years old when he saw abstract art. Because of Lopez’s own experience growing up alongside Herrera’s art, Lopez said he wants to share his grandfather’s paintings.

“Travelling exposes yourself to different situations in life,” Lopez said. “He travels a lot and observes different moments. It gets him the inspiration to create [his art].”

After Herrera lost his father, he took to art to support his family. It took him across South America and eventually to San Diego.

Herrera had his work displayed throughout his career as a painter, but never on the scale of a huge gallery.

Lopez, a 27-year-old design major, looked to Southwestern as a way to exhibit his grandfather’s art, but he said the seemingly never-ending waiting list put a halt to his dream. He also tried La Bodega near Chicano Park and galleries in Tijuana. He started showcasing his grandfather’s works on an Instagram page titled @laspinturasdelabuelo to get the word out.

“It’s something you don’t see everywhere,” Lopez said. “The strokes of his brush are way different than anything that you see and it’s abstract.”

Herrera uses his life experiences as fuel for his art. His painting “Peleos de Gallos” shows two roosters in the midst of a cockfight. Cockfighting, although a cruel and often looked down upon business, is one of the longest running traditions in Peru and is regulated by the government there.

One of Lopez’s personal favorites is “Genesis.” As the title suggests, “Genesis” shows the beginning of life: a mother giving birth to her child. Although it is a bit raw and difficult to make out because it is so abstract, Lopez calls it his favorite because it alludes to how the human experience can be the same.

“He portrays a lot of the human condition,” Lopez said. “He talks about schizophrenia, arguments, family problems and there is the other side that is more mellow, a little more easier for the audience.”

Herrera’s style influenced Lopez’s photography. Like his grandfather, he portrays social issues topics relating to his culture. His grandfather encouraged Lopez to create art as well. Lopez said he knew he would always pursue a career in art.

Displaying Herrera’s works would show the hard work and dedication of a 95-year-old artist who, to this day, continues to grow in his artistry.

“He keeps creating new art and it gives me the question of ‘Should I do this?’” Lopez said. “Of course I should. If he can do it, I can do it.”