Jesus Mejia, an emerging force in Costa Rica’s contemporary art scene, explores social violence and Catholic imagery in his bold figurative paintings
SAN JOSÉ, COSTA RICA / ACCESSWIRE / August 15, 2024 / Mejia’s art, which earned him first prize at the 2023 Francisco Amighetti National Visual Arts Awards, is characterized by intense narratives that are often rooted in the social violence and inequalities that shape life today. A Costa Rican artist strongly influenced by his Catholic upbringing, Mejia’s paintings are rich in symbolic representations, interweaving religious imagery with scenes from everyday life.
Oil on canvas
MÍRAME Fine Art, Costa Rica’s leading online art gallery dedicated to promoting the country’s best artists, proudly represents Jesus Mejia.
Contemporary Neo-Academism: Redefining Costa Rican Figurative Painting
Mejia describes his approach as “contemporary neo-academism,” a style inspired by Baroque art and tenebrism that emphasizes dramatic contrasts of light and dark. This powerful imagery allows him to shine a spotlight on the stark inequalities that persist in society without resorting to moralizing.
Instead, Mejia transforms these contrasts into symbols that encourage critical thought and confront the viewer with the complexities of modern life. His work is a significant contribution to the Latin American art scene, offering a bold and unflinching perspective on the social issues that shape the region.
A deep connection to Costa Rica’s cultural heritage
Mejia grew up in a Catholic household in Costa Rica, and his work is rooted in his personal history and cultural background. His art frequently incorporates Catholic themes, using them as a lens through which he examines broader social issues such as aging, political self-esteem, and the quiet struggles of daily life.
By combining these elements, Mejia creates a body of work that is both distinctly Costa Rican and globally recognized, making him an important figure in the Costa Rican Catholic painting tradition.
The interface between art and conservation
In addition to his work as a painter, Mejia is also an apprentice in art conservation and restoration, a role that underscores his commitment to preserving Costa Rica’s cultural heritage. This dual focus on creating and preserving gives his art an additional depth as he engages with the past while commenting on the present. Mejia’s work not only reflects the realities of contemporary Costa Rican society, but also contributes to the ongoing dialogue about the role of art in shaping cultural identity.
Upcoming exhibition at Casa Jiménez Sancho, Cartago
Mejia’s latest work will be on view in a solo exhibition entitled “Diary of the Eternal Dream” at Casa Jiménez Sancho, Galería de la UNED in Cartago in October 2024. This upcoming exhibition focuses on his family experiences with Alzheimer’s and the difficulties of domestic life, offering an exploration of these challenges through his bold Costa Rican painting. Stay tuned for more information.
Contact information
Belinda Seppings
Co-founder
(email protected)
+447821591397
SOURCE: MÍRAME Fine Art
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