About
About
José Luis Arias
Born in the vibrant port city of Mazatlán, Sinaloa, José Luis grew up in a family of fishermen, surrounded by the sea and the challenges of a modest upbringing. Despite the hardships, he carried within him a strong determination to rise above circumstances, finding in education and creativity the path to a brighter future. Raised by his grandfather Luis, he learned early on the value of working with his hands, a lesson that would shape both his character and his art.
At the age of twelve, he discovered a natural gift for drawing and painting. With the encouragement of his older sister, María de Jesús, he pursued a correspondence course in professional drawing from Los Angeles, fueling his growing passion for the arts. His dedication eventually led him to the School of Plastic Arts at the Universidad Autónoma de Sinaloa, and later to the Rufino Tamayo School of Plastic Arts in Oaxaca. Along the way, he was fortunate to be mentored by three distinguished Mazatleco painters: Antonio López Sáenz, Armando Nava, and Miguel Flores.
His curiosity extended beyond art into theology, leading him to study at the University of Montemorelos, where he dedicated four years to ministry and church administration. Yet, his heart continuously pulled him back to art. In 1994, he made the decision to fully embrace his true calling, resuming his studies in visual arts. By 1998, he was pursuing a Master’s in Visual Arts at the Allende Institute in San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato.
Teaching soon became another passion. He shared his knowledge in universities and at the Museo de Arte Contemporáneo (MARCO) in Monterrey, before opening his own studio in the city. In 2006, he relocated to San Miguel de Allende, where he established a gallery and continued teaching painting. Over nearly two decades, he became a vital part of the city’s artistic community, creating murals, organizing exhibitions, and nurturing local talent.
Eventually, his journey brought him to Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, where he opened his own gallery. Today, he continues to exhibit and sell his work while actively contributing to the city’s cultural movement.
Over the course of his career, he has participated in more than 40 group exhibitions and 20 solo exhibitions, showcasing his art in museums and cultural centers both in Mexico and abroad. His story is one of resilience, passion, and an unwavering commitment to creativity—an artist who has transformed challenges into inspiration and built a life dedicated to sharing beauty through art.
Artist’s Statement
Art, for me, is a visual investigation that engages not only with design and form but also with emotion, context, and everyday life. My creative practice is deeply influenced by my role as a visual arts educator, which has prompted me to constantly question and revisit the principles of modern art. Through this ongoing inquiry, I have developed several series that explore the intersection of machines, culture, and the idea of "art for art’s sake."
I approach art from a multifaceted and multidisciplinary perspective, grounded in philosophical and spiritual convictions. My work is characterized by an experimental spirit that plays with various techniques of representation. I see myself as both a passionate creator and a curious observer—someone who is continually inspired and moved by the diversity of artistic expression across cultures.
In my practice, I seek not only to create visually engaging works, but also to provoke reflection on the role of art in a rapidly changing world.
-José Luis Arias