About Award-winning artist Guadulesa
I have become known for abstract or loosely figurative works of art, which reflect spontaneity, strong rhythm, texture and color blends. I often engage the resonant vibrations of music during the creation of my pieces. When I am truly engaged with music, the painting process can feel like a dance. Artistic choices display a rhythmic play of energy.
ON AUGUST 11, 2020 RAY IASIELLO OF MASSACHUSETTS NOTED: “.. FORMERLY A MAJOR PLAYER AMONG THE GREATER BOSTON AREA ( BORN AND RAISED HERE - GALLERY G - IN DUDLEY/NUBIAN SQUARE - ROXBURY, BOSTON) ARTISTS - GUADULESA MOVED TO LOS ANGELES APPROXIMATELY 10+ YEARS AGO - WHERE SHE STILL SPEAKS OUT TO THE ENTIRE PLANET WITH HER DIVINELY INSPIRED PERCEPTIONS OF BOTH THE OUTER WORLD AND THE INNER REALMS OF THE SOUL.”
Guadulesa: I am a Boston-native, but began my art career in Los Angeles, California. I achieved an Associate Degree in studio arts from Pasadena city college and then studied under the mentorship of Kanemitsu at Otis Art Institute. I exhibited my work locally and painted sets for the theatre, television and film industry. Exhibitions at Ligoa Duncan Gallery in New York City led to my work being sent to Paris in 1981, where I won Le Prix de Peinture du Centenaire de Raymond Duncan at L'Academie des Duncan. The academy was established by Raymond and his sister, the famous dancer Isadora. My work is included in the Massachusetts collections of the Black Indian Inn, the Harriet Tubman Gallery and Cambridge Lawyers Guild. Works may be found in private collections throughout the United States, including Puerto Rico and St. Croix, as well as in Israel, Mexico and Spain.
WHILE LIVING IN BOSTON IN 1989, I EMBARKED ON A CREATIVE JOURNEY, CALLED KEYS OF INFINITY, WITH LIKE-MINDED ARTISTS WHO HELPED TO SHAPE AN INTERDISCIPLINARY, IMPROVISATIONAL GROUP OF MUSICIANS, VISUAL ARTISTS, DANCERS AND POETS. MUSIC HAD ALWAYS PLAYED A CENTRAL FORCE IN MY CREATIVE ENVIRONMENT, BUT THE OPPORTUNITY TO COLLABORATE WITH THESE ARTISTS AND PERFORM AS A PAINTER WAS VERY EXCITING. Since music was at the core of our production, it was assumed that Keys referred to musical keys. However, our Keys referred to love, as a central force for peace and collaboration.
I have not found a group like that here in Los Angeles, however I collaborated with saxophonist Henry Alexander, during an open studio event. Here is an images of one of the works: (C)2012 Guadulesa Rivera, Los Angeles, CA_”Henry”s Sax”, acrylics on canvas 12” x 12”.
Guadulesa was one of seven artists chosen to exhibit work on april 15, 2023 at the LOs Angeles Theatre Center in downtown Los Angeles during a reception honoring the 25th anniversary of playwright August Wilson’s “How I Learned what i learned.“
ARTWORKS CREATED DURING AN ART AND ADVOCACY PROJECT she FACILITATED WITH THE BREATHE FREE ALHAMBRA COALITION WERE EXHIBITED AT ALHAMBRA CITY HALL FOR THE MONTH OF MAY, 2022. guadulesa was selected as artist of the month and received a Proclamation by Alhambra’s City Arts and cultural events commission. THE GROUP MET DURING WORKSHOPS FROM 2019 - 2021 AND ACHIEVED COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT, SELF-EXPRESSION AND EMPOWERMENT IN EXPRESSING THEIR CONCERNS ABOUT EXPOSURE TO SECONDHAND SMOKE AND E-CIGARETTE VAPORS AND YOUTH ACCESS TO TOBACCO. THE ADVOCACY CAMPAIGN WAS INSTRUMENTAL IN THE ALHAMBRA CITY COUNCIL’S DECISION TO ADOPT ONE OF THE MOST COMPREHENSIVE TOBACCO CONTROL POLICIES IN LOS ANGELES COUNTY. ThEy WERE ASSISTED WITH FUNDS FROM ADVENTIST HEALTH GLENDALE THROUGH A TOBACCO CONTROL GRANT FROM THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH. WORKSHOP PARTICIPANTS CREATED SIXTEEN MIXED MEDIUM COLLAGES ON CANVAS.
(c)2019 Guadulesa Rivera, Los Angeles, CA Art & Advocacy work created during the first phase of our Tobacco Control campaign in Alhambra, CA. The Breathe Free Alhambra Coalition project was facilitated by Guadulesa.