Sun City resident Mariluz Welvers is a woman of many talents: she paints, and also speaks four languages. Welvers was born in Mexico City, where she began to paint.
Welvers said, “My father was a painter. I began my studies in Mexico City. It has been my focus my entire life. I have painted everywhere I live. In my work, I seek to vividly examine questions related to the human condition by pursuing the tensions between realism and impressionism. As an artist, I examine universal truths by using the canvas as a conduit for interpreting personal experiences and reflection.”
Welvers continued her studies in art when she moved from Mexico to Germany, where she lived for 20 years. Then she moved to New Jersey and then to Illinois. But her love of art continued.
“I continued learning, participating in art workshops,” she said.
Welvers’ paintings have been exhibited in Germany, France, and across the United States, including Illinois. In October, Welvers had her paintings displayed at the Huntley Library. Her paintings reflect the intense colors of the country of her birth.
“Typically, paintings of Mexico depict churches and pyramids. I chose to go in a different direction,” she said.
The paintings exhibited at the library in October center on the Day of the Dead.
Welvers said, “My paintings of Día de los Muertos are of a deep and significant part of Mexican culture that extends far beyond churches and pyramids. It touches on themes of life, death, memory, and satire.”
The Painting titled Huitzilopochtli, The Blue Fleshless God, Welvers explains, “is of the Aztec god of war, the sun, and human sacrifice.” One version of his origin myth describes him as being born fleshless and often depicted with a blue face or body.
One of Welver’s paintings is of sugar skulls, a part of traditional Mexican folk art. She explains, “Sugar skulls are not just a part of Mexican culture; they are a part of my family. These colorful, decorated skulls, with the names of my loved ones inscribed on them, are a personal tribute.”
The painting, entitled Happy Family, shows her grandkids playing on the floor and others dancing.
Welvers also taught music and yoga in Sun City and in Woodstock.
“Music is a movement that takes place in my paintings also,” she said. “The rhythm, the harmony, and the emotions in music often find their way onto my canvas. And my yoga practice influences my work in different ways. It brings a sense of balance, tranquility, and mindfulness, which is reflected in the composition and the colors I choose.”
Welver’s work continues to be showcased at the Huntley library in November, and she will also have new paintings on display.
Welvers said, “My life is an explosion of color and form merging from my center”.
