Reciprocity: Julio Larraz and the Next Generation of Artistic Freedom
Reciprocity: Julio Larraz and the Next Generation of Artistic Freedom
Source: ArtDaily – Reciprocity: Julio Larraz and the Next Generation of Artistic Freedom
Heidi Love Larraz, Winter 2025. Oil on Canvas. 60 x 72 in.
By Vivian Fulop
MIAMI, FLA.—When Ascaso Gallery opens Reciprocity this fall, visitors will enter more than a group exhibition. They will encounter a conversation across generations, a dialogue between Julio Larraz—one of Latin America’s most imaginative painters—and eleven artists whose practices he has shaped through guidance, example, or inspiration.
“The idea for Reciprocity was born from a deep desire to bridge the gap between generations,” Larraz reflects. “Throughout my life, I’ve received so much from those who came before me, and it seemed right and necessary to open a space where young artists, with whom I share affection and dialogue, could show their works alongside mine.”
Maia Larraz, Are You Happy Now, 2025. Oil on Canvas. 60 x 48 in.
For many of the participating artists, Larraz’s influence is inseparable from their growth. His daughter Maia recalls, “Julio dismantled the myth of the tortured, inconsistent artist and revealed the power of moving quickly, trusting your vision, and capturing it before it fades.” Her sister-in-law, Heidy Love Larraz, describes years of living among his works: “I absorbed lessons from his brush without a word spoken. Later, his incisive critiques urged me to paint with greater honesty.”
Reynier Ferrer, Ascending Bird, 2022. Oil on Canvas. 70 x 71 in.
Reyner Ferrer says, “Meeting him, sharing ideas, and witnessing the raw energy he brings to his work sparked deep mental connections and a fresh wave of inspiration.” Reinier Llanes recalls meeting him in 2015: “Julio is not only a friend but also my mentor and my role model.”
Nelson Jalil, The Missing Pages #2. Oil on Canvas. 65 x 100 in.
Nelson Halil remembers: “I vividly recall one afternoon spent at his swimming pool, photographing sheets of paper floating on the water to use as a reference for a painting. Watching the hand of a master at work shaped not only my methods but my understanding of discipline and freedom in art.” Edel Lugones calls meeting Larraz “a deeply enriching experience” and emphasizes the artist’s “rare generosity of spirit.” Sculptor Jojacne Téllez, who has collaborated with him on monumental bronzes since 2015, describes their work together as “a profound learning experience.”
Leticia Sanchez – 039 Study for Between Blues. Oil on Paper. 18 x 24 in.
Leticia Sánchez Toledo remembers visiting Larraz’s Miami studio in 2010, before her first solo show: “Seeing his work in progress was deeply inspiring, but even more so was meeting the person behind the canvas—generous, sharp, and possessed of a wry humor.”
Julio Figueroa Beltran, Farewell Clouds, 2024. Oil on Canvas. 60 x 80 in.
Julio Figueroa Beltrán, who spent fifteen years in Larraz’s studio, reflects: “A truly powerful image often resides in the balance between ambiguity and precision. Over the years, he has become more than a mentor; he is family.”
For Larraz, seeing his influence reflected in others is moving. “It’s not about them repeating my style, but rather about them finding in my example the confidence to seek their own path. When I see an echo of my ideas in their work, I feel like the seed has germinated in the best way: transforming into something new and authentic.”
Freedom, he insists, is the essence of art. “In Reciprocity, each artist has complete freedom to show their world, without constraints. Freedom is the very essence of art, because only from freedom can something true be created.” This conviction has guided his career through decades of change. “Creative freedom is non-negotiable. Without it, art becomes propaganda or empty merchandise. Defending it is defending the dignity of the artist.”
Artists of Reciprocity
- Cooper Dragonette — Inspired by Larraz’s imaginative force; embraced freedom to paint what he feels and imagines.
- Reyner Ferrer — Draws on Larraz’s unrestrained creative drive to create from a freer, more honest place.
- Julio Figueroa Beltrán — Worked with Larraz for fifteen years; balances ambiguity and precision in poetic imagery.
- Nelson Halil — Shared experiments and studio time; learned to unite discipline and freedom in art.
- Maia Larraz — Learned that art is daily devotion, not performance, capturing spontaneity in her practice.
- Reinier Llanes — Considers Larraz mentor and role model; inspired by his extraordinary command of light and form.
- Heidy Love Larraz — Influenced by Larraz’s critiques and poetic approach to form and color.
- Edel Lugones — Finds inspiration in Larraz’s generosity of spirit and visual poetry.
- Leticia Sánchez Toledo — Inspired by Larraz’s generosity and humor since her 2010 studio visit.
- Jefreid Lotti — Apprenticed in his twenties; influenced by Larraz’s mastery of composition and imagination.
- Jojacne Téllez — Collaborated on bronzes since 2015; gained profound sculptural perspective.
