<<(...continued)

There is indeed hard work to be done.  His work comforts the disturbed, and disturbs the comfortable.  How else can one react to skulls growing from daisies, or juxtaposing photos of two of humankind's most self destructive innovations, smoking tobacco and industrialism?   He can create this because he  understands the same self destructive force that lives within each of us is evident in hwat we create, even if it is suppossed to makes feel and live better.  And more so we can't run from our terrible selves.  On the contrary, Nacho realizes that our beauty lies within the struggle and truth of our terrible selves.  And it is only in the denial of this fact that we become ugly.

I once asked Nacho what he wants people to experience when viewing a piece of his, "... see me through the art", he replied.  If it doesn't talk to you, my art ain't shit".  His work seems to notice you as you notice it, staring right back at you as if you were there for observation and not the work.  And then something else occurs, the work sneers at the observer, often judging them as unworthy, or at least in contempt, diminishing us with its honesty and subject matter.  Don Quixote still lieves, but he doesn't chase windmills anymore.  He is still a hopeless romantic though.  Now he paints, sculpts and draws.  Is he still misunderstood?  I should hope not, someone has to fight the good fight.  We need to let him know he is not alone.

Juba Dowell
9.26.2004