Galan, Julio

▪ 2007

      Mexican painter (b. Dec. 5, 1958, Múzquiz, Coahuila, Mex.—d. Aug. 4, 2006, en route to Monterey, Mex.), was a Neo-Expressionist whose colourful figurative paintings were replete with elements of collage and added objects (ribbons, beads, bits of jewelry, and dried flowers) and suggested a dreamlike setting. Frequently, Galán would include in his paintings figures (both male and female) that bore a marked resemblance to himself. The images alluded to his childhood, his sexual identity, Catholicism, the Mexican Baroque, pre-Colombian cultures, retablos (nativity scenes), and folk art. Though his work was immersed in Mexican culture, it also encompassed American photographs and postcards and Hollywood films.

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