Transformista 3 - Original Figurative Drawing by José Luis Cuevas

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Transformista 3 - Original Figurative Drawing by Jose Luis Cuevas (b. 1934 d. 2017.)

This original ink drawing by Cuevas … Read more Transformista 3 - Original Figurative Drawing by Jose Luis Cuevas (b. 1934 d. 2017.)

This original ink drawing by Cuevas depicts two distorted figures pressing their faces together. These distorted figures are typical of Cuevas's work from this period. The figures are rendered in swathes of ink applied with a dry brush, accompanied by fine line work. Along the bottom right of the piece, a line extends across the paper from above one of the figures feet, creating a sense of space. The linework throughout the piece feels urgent and provides movement.

Signed "13 Nov 56. Cuevas" on right side of paper
Titled "TransFORMISTA 3" on backing below paper
Frame size: 23"H x 18"W
Image size: 12.5"H x 9.5"W
Paper size: 10.5"H x 8.25"W

José Luis Cuevas was born in Mexico City in 1934, into a middle-class family living above his grandfather’s pencil factory. He showed an early talent for art, beginning formal studies at the prestigious "La Esmeralda" school at age ten and illustrating for newspapers and books soon after. A bout of rheumatic fever forced him to leave school and spend two years bedridden, during which he learned engraving. At fourteen, Cuevas chose to dedicate himself entirely to art rather than return to school, supporting himself with odd jobs while developing his skills and artistic identity.

Cuevas became a prominent figure in Mexico’s Generación de la Ruptura, a group that challenged the nationalist and muralist art traditions of the time. Known for his eccentric personality and numerous self-portraits, he was both admired and criticized for his self-absorption and provocative behavior. His work often reflected dark, existential themes and a fascination with madness and mortality. Throughout his life, he had public feuds with fellow artists and critics, maintaining a contentious relationship with Mexico’s art establishment. He traveled widely, lived abroad, and remained a prolific artist until his death in 2017 at the age of 83. During his life he gained numerous recognitions for his work, including First Prize at the Latin American Print Biennial in 1977, the National Prize of Culture from Mexico in 1981, representing Mexico at the Venice Biennial in 1982, the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres from France in 1991, the Premio de Medallística Tomás Francisco Prieta from Queen Sofia of Spain in 1997, and and the Lorenzo the Great Prize at the VIII Biennial of Florence in 2012. His work is now held internationally, including in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Chicago Art Institute, and the José Luis Cuevas Museum in Mexico City. See less