The recent opening of the exposition "Devenir animal," to become animal, at La Galeria provides an excellent opportunity to observe some of Ecuador's finest contemporary art.

Artist Tomás Ochoa at La Galeria opening of "Devenir animal."

The intimate-retro atmosphere of La Galeria complements the potent work of Cuencan born artist Tomás Ochoa. In "Devenir animal" Ochoa literally paints a different picture and portrays marginal sectors of Ecuadorian society.

In a magnificent display of primal figures and raw colors, Ochoa's latest work combines a four part series about the deception of poor Ecuadorians. The works are joined not only by theme, but also by technique. All are displayed on large canvas and brought to life with bold strokes of oil paint.

For Ochoa, the primary purpose of art is not to be pleasing to the eye but rather as a means of communication. "I am not interested in the technique, the materials, or even the color," says Ochoa, "this is irrelevant compared to the message of art."

In "Devenir animal," Ochoa has mastered both form and function. The works are both breathtakingly beautiful and contain a strong social criticism. Ochoa brings to life the marginal sectors of society, namely the indigenous, which have historically been subjugated and abused by a powerful few.

"To become animal, relates to the conceptual line of deception," explains Ochoa. "It does not imply, even metaphorically, that man transforms into animal. Nor does it mean to identify with or regress to the bestial. The becoming is the order of the alliance, of the propagation, of the infection."

"In my work," continues Ochoa, "I propose a relationship between the guinea-pigs and men: the guinea-pigs are to sacrifice and to fire as the men in the paintings are to work and to days lost."

Quien nos representa maquina de guerra (180cm x 400cm).

According to Ochoa, art alone is not enough to change a corrupt social structure. But it is the responsibility of artists to present and reflect upon issues, to propose new versions of reality, to enrich the meaning of things and contribute to the imagination of society.

Ochoa attributes the ideas behind his work to a wide range of personal and social influences, but most of all he has been influenced by history.

"The historic context has had an enormous impact on the contemporary artist," says Ochoa. "I have not been able to escape the enormous weight of reality and artists can not ignore what has come to pass recently in Ecuador. For example, we have a historic responsibility to the January 21st rebellion."

Serie Fractales (105cm x 175cm).

Referring to the indigenous uprising that resulted in the fall of former president Jamil Mahuad, followed by a short lived military coup.

"What interests me," says Ochoa, "is the way the observer relates to my work, how it makes them feel. It is like putting someone in front of a mirror where they can deeply observe themselves and me. People can have many different interpretations of my work, but if only some of them think about the themes presented, I feel that I have accomplished something."

See for yourself! Ochoa's work can be appreciated at La Galería, located at 168 Juan Rodríguez near the cross street of Diego de Almagro.