UNL printmaker to display perceptions of Mexico in exhibit

The world around us offers a vast array of color, personality, shape and texture. And it is through these elements that printmaker Francisco Souto uses his art to encapsulate his worldview.

Lincoln's Kiechel Fine Art Gallery, 5733 S. 34th St., will open an exhibit on Friday, April 22, featuring Souto's graphite drawings and photographs. Established in 1986, the gallery's artistic displays highlight prints and regionalist art of the Midwest from the early to middle 20th century.

Souto, a professor at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln who specializes in printmaking, went on sabbatical in Mexico, offering him creative inspiration. Capturing the essence of the country through art became his mission, and the diverse environment of the country is the focus of his upcoming exhibit. Souto's exhibit is entitled "Por el Rio del Tiempo" or "Through the River of Time," in reference to a novel he was reading while working on his pieces. The novel oscillates between autobiography and fiction, the past and the present. This unique structure offered influence for Souto's work.

"It's really very cutting edge," said Buck Kiechel, director of the gallery. "What's really cutting edge is the use of graphite, which is a traditional medium. Francisco is using it to create ultra-realistic art. And he really shows a broad range of talent, as he takes an old medium and does something unique and different with it."

Souto describes his work as usually involving the drawing of copper on paper, a lengthy process of printmaking that can take months of artistic dedication. During his time in Mexico, he wanted to allow himself to experiment enough to proliferate his art. So he did, and established a 25-30 piece exhibit in Keichel, bringing to view his perceptions of Mexico through graphite drawings and photographs.

"When you see it, it makes sense," Souto said of his collection. "The idea is that the photography is not factual. Some are blurred and out of focus. So, they become a blank slate for people to have their own perception. They can bring their own cultural experiences to it."

For Souto, his perceptions evolved over his time in Mexico, allowing him to capture a variety of images.

"I had no particular motif," Souto said. "There were no expectations going to this place. It's all about seeing how this world affects your perspective on the world."

"Francisco Souto: Por el rio del tiempo" will open Friday April 22, from 6-8 p.m. The exhibit runs through June 3.

kelseylee@dailynebraskan.com

if you go

Francisco Souto: Por el rio del tiempo

when: Friday, 6 p.m.

where: Kiechel Fine Art Gallery, 5733 S. 34th St.

how much: Free