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Artistic
icon, Mario Sanchez’s passion was depicting the people of Key West celebrating
the distinct spirit of the place where he was born on October 7th,
1908. His photographic memories of Key West's treasured history involve fond
remembrances of a rich cultural community filled with the traditions of
immigrants of diverse geographic and ethnic origins.
These qualities affirm
their dignity, humor and portray the challenges they underwent to grow and
develop the unique humanistic values of this special island. Mario’s ideals
originate from those of the great western philosopher Jose Marti.
Mario
Sanchez’s folk art has a great sense of artistic power, of individuality, and
technical virtuosity with the irrepressible, candid charm of the unschooled.
His art work resonates authenticity of voice.
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Mario’s
originality of method, (intaglios, painted wooden carving) a kind of
independence, speaks loudly to America’s own self-image. Mario's usual cast of
colorful characters are his Cuban, Afro-Cuban, Bahamian, Afro-Bahamian, Jewish,
Chinese and Italian cigars rollers, street vendors, fishermen, and the everyday
common person who he preserves for history along with their nicknames and
humorous antics from the 1920’s and 30’s when he was a boy.
These
carvings are insights into real people’s lives. The good natured common person
who is never a part of history is whom Mario Sanchez makes special in our eyes
because they affirm human dignity. Someone who no one would remember is alive
for us today along with the old wooden buildings they lived and worked in and
most importantly, their worthwhile values.
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Mario is at the top of his category! "In November, 1996, the national magazine
Folk Art published a critically important article focusing on Mario
Sanchez's intricate bas-relief art, naming him the most important Cuban-American
Folk Artist of the 20th Century. In 1991 Florida's Department of
State honored Sanchez with its Florida Folk Heritage Award, recognizing his
lifelong devotion to the arts and his personal contribution to the nation's rich
cultural legacy." excerpt from the book "Mario Sanchez, Before & After"
by Nance Frank, 305-294-1669 at the
Gallery On Greene in Key West, Florida.
Nance
Frank has studied with the artist as a major long-term project and is recognized
as the foremost expert on Mario Sanchez works.
© 2002
Nance Frank
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