READING ART

In the Spotlight

PASO I

Back, Front, White Marble, 18 x 16 x 12 inches

BRIAN BARRETO is a stone sculptor for whom carving is communication and an avenue for expressing identity into the larger world of art and artists. His passion to be part of something bigger transcends sculpture. As one who strengthens the creative fabric of New Mexico, we celebrate the knuckle-busting work that he puts into his art and his determination to share the concepts that move him to create.

- Rebekah Powers

ARTIST STATEMENT

It’s an interesting question, “What are you?”

I guess I’m trying to find that out...still.

With these sculptures I’ve been focusing on questions that I’ve been asking in my life. Often people ask, “What are you?" That’s an interesting question seeing that I speak like a white person, but maybe I don’t look like one, or that there’s something else mixed in, which is the truth.

I often think about the sacrifices that my family made to come to the United States. My grandfather came here in the 1950s from Puerto Rico and did some really hard work. And then with those successes was able to bring his family here. And those people had children, and here I am. 

FRAGMENT X (JAUNE)

11 x 7 x 8 inches, Portoro Marble

FRAMELESS III

7 x 19 x 13 inches, Green French Marble