Dear friend, Enriquito, exhibited a collection of pieces titled ‘Selfismo’ at Essentia in Kensington last evening.  It was awesome to reconnect with former Gorilla House folk and to enjoy watching Enriquito bask in the celebration of his work.  Enriquito was generous with the hugs as always and humble about his ongoing and prolific collection.  It is true that each piece exudes tremendous energy and impacts the viewer at a very deep place.

The venue is unusual because it is a Natural Memory Foam Mattress shop, owned by mother and daughter team, Donna and Crystal.  The space is so perfect for exhibition; bright, open and tall ceilings.  Another surprise in Calgary!  The more I get out and around this city, the more I discover the goings-on and so appreciate the diverse pot of possibilities found here.

Enriquito is sharing the exhibition space with photographer, Jon Devaney, who combines a passion for both science and art.  As a geologist and photographer, Jon is able to capture the environment and architecture with a new eye. The combination of crisp photography and Enriquito’s dynamic paintings creates something for everyone! Generously, a draw was held at the closing of the opening, so one lucky attendee took home an Essentia Comfort pillow!  It was at this point that I captured Crystal doing a happy dance on one of her beds.

The artwork of Enriquito Hernandez and Jon Devaney will be on display February 6st – March 6th, 2014.

Congratulations, Enriquito!

Enrique flanked by Kath and Desere. Good times!

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Jorge Enrique González Hernández

Born in Havana, Cuba on February 20, 1978. As a teenager, studying accounting and finance, Hernandez found his passion for painting. He had always liked art and its influences, but it was not until he moved to Spain in 2009, where his artistic niche began to develop. With little technical education, Hernandez has spent the last three years showing his art over many places around the world, including Vancouver, Canada, Bangkok, Thailand, and many parts of Spain. For Hernandez, his whimsical and aestheticly nice combination of colors and abstract shapes are the result of free and autonomous feelings subconscious. As his love for art grows, Hernandez hopes to continue his artistic activities in Canada, and one day obtain the means to carry more powerful inspiration, his son, to live with him in Canada.