If we make a canvas a lung with what will we be able to breath?
The work that I have done in recent years is similar to this.
For starters, I propose my own story. Not to heal my wound, but to understand
the painting as a mechanism that will make me rise above my own shipwreck.
Arnaldo Roche Rabell

	The piece You Have to Drean in Blue, by Arnaldo Roche Rabell. (Courtesy photo)

For the French psychotherapist Jacques Lacan, the affliction in the life of a human being can be defined as a date with the reality they are trying to avoid. For the Puerto Rican painter, Arnaldo Roche Rabell, the affliction that is represented by certain events in his past has also brought about the revelation of an infinite range of artistic and sensory possibilities that lead to the celebration of life.

A reflection of this artistic concept, which its creator has based on his prolific work, was presented at the conference Passion and Mystery Made into Art by Arnaldo Roche Rabell, in Room A of the Main Library at the University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez (UPRM), as part of the activities in coordination with the Cultural Agenda for this semester.

Roche Rabell is known for his skill in the technique known as frottage, which consists in the covering of models or objects with prepared paper to create an image to trace the obtained form with the hands, spatulas or other instruments covered in paint. In the artist’s judgment, his particular manifestation of this technique can be considered a medium of conversion that pays tribute to each second of existence.

“In my work I include elements such as the body, which is the container of life, objects and nature, trying to capture all that can be said, transpired and exhaled before it converts into nothing. I believe that human beings, being very observant, learn a lot about their surroundings,” stated Roche Rabell.

During the conference, Roche Rabell shared some personal experiences with those present, with which he associates the development of an extraordinary sensibility to confront certain significant events within the context of the real world, such as the tsunami that occurred in Asia in 2004, and the attack on New York, in September of 2001.

“I identified with the tragedy of those it affected, it was also my tragedy. The spirituality reflected in my works, the Judeo-Christian tradition, and my eagerness to feel the life of the elements that surround me, are some of the expressions that form part of my particular explanation of this mystery which we never stop learning and everyone, indistinctly designate as being alive,” he explained.

Roche Rabell received his master’s degree in Fine Arts in 1984 from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, where he gained enrichment from the influence of artists such as Ray Yoshida, Richard Keane and the Art historian Robert Loesher. He has presented exhibitions in renowned sites such as the Museum of Art in Ponce, the University of Puerto Rico Museum and the Museum of Contemporary Art of Monterrey, Mexico. His latest exhibits include Brotherhood (2008), Images from a legendary painting (2007) and Obras Recientes (Recent Works, 2006).

“It’s the first time that Arnaldo visits UPRM to officially speak about his work, his life. For us it’s an honor because he is one of the key figures in the Art history of Puerto Rico. It’s about an artist who has been awarded internationally. He’s an active and influential creator who has his work on display in the most important museums in the United States, Europe, and Latin America,” stated doctor Laura Bravo, Art professor in the Humanities Department and member of the Committee for Cultural Promotion, which coordinated the artist’s visit.

The Dean of Arts and Sciences, doctor Moisés Orengo, signaled that the conference passed academic and artistic limits in offering an alternative perception of the world in its integral sense.

“The participation of a renowned artist, such as Arnaldo, at the University is without a doubt a transforming experience for the students. Roche Rabell’s work sends a message to the youth saying that you have to love life,” stated the Dean.

Arnaldo Roche Rabell presented at UPRM the conference Passion and Mystery Made into Art.

Doctors Laura Bravo and Anayra Santory, of the Committee for Cultural Promotion, gave the welcoming speech to those in attendance.

Cover of the book Brotherhood, that contains a study on the Roche Rabell’s works.

Photographs by Stephanie Silva

Roche Rabell is known for his skill in the technique known as frottage, which consists in covering models or objects with prepared papers to create an image. (Courtesy photo)