Jorge Luis Yllescas Arixaga – Guayaquil Ecuador
“Creativity is essentially a lonely art. An even lonelier struggle. To some a blessing. To others a curse. It is in reality the ability to reach inside yourself and drag forth from your very soul an idea.” ~Lou Dorfsman
I traveled to Guayaquil this past Sunday, a day before an Ecuador Expat Journey tour began. My afternoon was a free one, and I dropped by the Museo Nahim Isaias in hopes there might be an interesting art exhibit. I was not disappointed.
Museo Nahim Isaias
Located in the Plaza de Administración near Guayaquil’s Malecon 2000, The Museo Nahim Isaias showcases the work of many artists. This week, after touring a collection of Ila Coronal’s sensitive photographs of rural life, I spotted two brightly-colored paintings in another area of the museum. Stepping toward the strong colors, I noted someone sitting to the side with polite attention.
Jorge Luis Yllescas Arrixaga (Guayaquil, Ecuador)
“I wonder if that’s the artist,” I pondered, and he stood up and approached with sensitive respect.
“Are you the artist?” I smiled as I recalled Jacqueline Simon telling me that I was the first artist who had ever stayed for the entire length of the exhibit at Museum Cancebi.
Acrylics on layers of glass (One on right: Sold)
“Yes,” he smiled, and for the next hour we talked about art as he accompanied me from painting to painting… I then met the director of the museum, Alexander Maldonado, and the three of us discussed museum stories – even a few about ghost sightings by museum guards!
JL’s paintings reflect masterly control of color, especially without creating ‘mud’ where those colors meet!
Jose Luis lived in Boston and New York and has spent a lifetime immersed in the world of art. He now lives near the Nahim Isaias museum, so there’s a good chance he will be there when you drop by. If your Spanish skills are limited, don’t fear, because J.L speaks great English!
Visit soon, because the exhibit, which opened in December, will be finished at the end of February.
Z
Zeebra Designs & Destinations 
I love love those colours. It lifts my spirits, thank you Jose
How fun and lucky to get to speak directly to the artist. One to another, I would have loved to have been a fly on the art-covered wall.
I can see why his bright, colorful work pulled you in, Lisa. How fortunate you two artists could connect and share stories.
How lovely to meet the artist and to have a personal tour. Beautiful vibrant colour.
Color certainly can be compelling, especially when its as clear and bright as these canvases. I’m especially intrigued by the pieces behind him in the fourth photo. They look as though they might be constructions of some sort. It would be fun to visit the exhibit, though I think there could be a few difficulties!
Thanks for sharing his work with us, and for sharing yourself with him. I’m sure he enjoyed your conversation, too.
The colors are wonderfully connected and lovely. Thanks for sharing, BTG
This is a great post – loved seeing Jose’s work, it’s extraordinary filled with exquisite design and color. He looks like a kind soul and how wonderful of this chance meeting Z, you guys will see each other again no doubt.
loved seeing Jose’s paintings and the flow and harmony of the colors. What a wonderful way to spend an afternoon
Colourful and envigourating!
Thank you Lisa — I’m so happy for you to meet and converse with a true colleague. I appreciated that you mentioned his mastery of color — without “muddying” them as they meet. Such a gift! Thank you for sharing this blessing in your life with all of us. ♥
Orange is my favourite colour I love the vibrancy and happiness of it and Jose has used it in a way that brings pleasure by just looking at his art work