In residence from February 14 – April 19.
Meet artist-in-residence, Edgar Israel Camargo Reyes.
Teacher, artisan, artist, husband, father and grandfather. A Kind and passionate soul.
Edgar was born in Iztapalapa, Mexico City, home to the Cartoneria craft. He became interested in art at an early age and began his artistic education when he first attended workshops in cultural centers. He graduated from the National Institute of Fine Arts and Literature specializing in sculpture and ceramics. With 18 years practicing the Cartoneria Craft, Edgar is still learning something new. As an observer of nature, he takes inspiration from animals such as insects, fish and mammals like jaguars that inspire the shapes, colors and textures of his craft.
Some of the most influential artists in his life are Alebrije creator Don Pedro Linares, artists Diego Rivera, Remedios Varo, Leonora Carrington and one of his favorites, Francisco Toledo. He was also influenced by sculptors, Ron Mueck and Kurt Papstein.
Edgar’s journey to NRPM began one month ago when he arrived at Chicago. Last year, he was commissioned by the Mexican Cultural Center DuPage to create paper mache craft sculptures with five other artists. The group premiered Alebrijes: Creatures Of A Dream World throughout the gardens at Cantigny Park last Summer and Fall. After a successful exhibit, the fantastical creatures went into storage where they faced weather damage. Today, you can find Edgar working in the mall’s north court restoring Jonas the Whale, one of his monumental Alebrije creations. Edgar is eager to share his passion and spread awareness of Mexican art and culture.
Come watch Edgar in action as he restores a few of his alebrije creatures and enjoy some of the works featured at Cantigny Park, including spirit animals.
Fun facts about Edgar:
Edgar is a teacher; we address him as “Maestro” to show respect.
His wife Angelica is like his left hand, she helped out with the original alebrije pieces. He also has a daughter and two grandchildren.
He prefers natural and organic shapes over hard rigid geometric shapes.
He has created approximately 100 large alebrijes and hundreds of the smaller ones known as maquetas.
Edgar’s art pieces are named after family members; He named the Goliath alebrije after his father, who was a body builder and Mykel is named after his father-in-law.
Edgar chose 3 animals to represent his personal Alebrije: He picked a snail, an insect whose patience he admires, a gorilla which he chose for its protective and kind nature and an eagle, which represents Mexico itself.