Gualala Arts Promoting public interest and participation in the arts since 1961
Gualala Arts is excited to present “Eduardo Smissen: A Retrospective,” an exhibition showcasing of over 30 pieces of original work by the renowned artist, opening October 11 at the Burnett Gallery. The exhibit, which runs until November 17, offers a journey through Smissen’s artistic evolution, from his early days drawing under tables to his profound studies at L’Ecole des Beaux Arts in France.
Born in 1944 in East Los Angeles to a Cuban father and a Mexican-American mother, Smissen’s multicultural background is a canvas for his diverse influences. His work, often described as a dialogue with the viewer, reflects a blend of personal experiences and a deep exploration of societal themes. From the dark allure of film noir to the whimsical surrealism of burning giraffes, his pieces resonate with a sense of mystery and introspection.
The retrospective will feature a selection of Smissen’s works that encapsulate his philosophy that art is not a tool for societal change but a medium to sensitize and provoke thought. Visitors can expect to engage with art that challenges perceptions and invites contemplation, embodying Smissen’s simple yet profound approach: gather, arrange, and execute. The opening reception, set for 4-6 pm on October 11, promises to be an enlightening prelude to a season of artistic discovery at Gualala Arts.
“I’ve been making things for most of my life.
I sometimes see the things I make as stories, or as moments in time. They are my reflections of divine chuckles or the frustrated stutter. Mystery has always been a source for my work, from the long shadows of film noir to the burning giraffes of surrealism…my heroes range from Dorthea Tanning, Gregory Gillespie to Chucho Valdez, my influences are everything I’ve lived and most of what I don’t know. Making an object, with the intent of making art, usually gives me the sense of seeing other meanings. Sometimes this can only be a dialogue with an already understood idea and myself. I use my life experience, as a lens to focus my vision on areas I feel should be looked at, and pose questions I feel should be considered. I do not think art can change society. I think art can sensitize. My working method is fairly simple: Gathering, Arranging, and Execution.”
Eduardo Smissen, 2008
EDUARDO SMISSEN – Born 1944, East Los Angeles, California
The artist’s Cuban father migrated to the U.S. in the 1930’s. His mother was born in and grew up in Los Angeles, the daughter of Mexican-born parents. They met in Los Angeles at the end of the Depression years and were married three months later. Both parents worked very hard to make ends meet, even after Eduardo Lorenzo Mario Smissen was born five years later.
An only child, Smissen was often left alone. He spent a great deal of his youth sitting under tables drawing pictures, a source of comfort and security. The more he drew, the better he, got, and first his family, then his peers and eventually his art teachers began to encourage his talent.
In 1964 Smissen found himself in France. While in Europe, he studied art at L’Ecole des Beaux Arts in Paris and L’Acadamie des Beaux Arts in Brussels. He returned to his family in the U.S. in 1966
Smissen subsequently moved to Hollywood, California. Got married, had a child and got a divorce. He has lived and worked throughout California, the Northwest and Europe – he lived on the Costa Brava of Spain for five years – and returned to Northern California in 1985.
He lived in Elk, on the Mendocino County Coast with his wife and two children until he died in February 2015.
He is greatly missed…
EDUCATION
Studied at a number of American and European art institutions,
including
L’Ecole des Beaux Arts, Paris
L’Academie des Beaux Arts, Brussels
Art Center School, Los Angeles
SELECTED EXHIBITS
2022— Artist’s Collective in Elk, Elk CA
2018— Mendocino Art Center, Mendocino CA
2014 — Mendocino College Gallery, Ukiah CA
2008 — Voodoo Pink Gallery, Mendocino CA
2006 — Nancy Garner Gallery CA
2006 — SK Gallery, Gualala CA
2005 — Pangea, Point Arena CA
2004 — Red Rooster, Mendocino CA
2003 — Boonville Hotel, Boonville CA
2002 — North Coast Artists Gallery, Ft. Bragg CA
2002 — Pangaea, Pt. Arena CA
2001 — Pangaea, Pt. Arena CA
2001 — Studio2, Mendocino CA
2000 — The Los Gatos Museum of Art, Los Gatos CA
1999 — Pangaea, Pt. Arena CA
1999 — Sharffenberger Cellers Gallery, Boonville CA
1998 — Pangaea, Pt. Arena CA
1998 — Boonville Hotel, Boonville CA
1998 — Mendocino College Art Gallery, Ukiah CA
1997 — Pangaea, Pt. Arena CA1996 — Pangaea , Pt. Arena CA
1995 — Pangaea, Pt. Arena CA1994 — Pangaea , Pt. Arena CA
1991 — Tangents Gallery, Ft.Bragg CA
1991 — Whats Afoot Gallery, Caspar CA
1988 — Wildwood Gallery , Ft. Bragg CA
1986 — Mendocino Art Center, Mendocino CA
1985 — Vulcan Café , Oakland CA
1984 — Manifred Kluckert Art Gallery, Stauffen Germany
1983-1984 — Galeria Culip, Cadaques Spain, Parr Gallery Cadaques Spain
1981 — Silver Spoon, Duvall WA
1980 — Rosco Louie, Seattle WA
1975-1978 — Manos Gallery, Duvall WA
1974 — Curated exhibit Pelican Bay Art Coop, Seattle WA
1974 — Pelican Bay Art Coop, Seattle WA
2023 — Partners Gallery, Mendocino, CA
SELECTED GROUP EXHIBITIONS
2009 — Sister City Show, Miasa Japan
2008 — Stuart Kummer Gallery, Gualala CA
2006 — Partners Gallery, Ft Bragg CA
2004 — North Coast Artists, Little River CA
1991 — Tangents Gallery, Ft. Bragg CA
1991 — Open Studios, Oakland CA
1988–1990 — North Coast Artists Gallery, Ft. Bragg CA