‘Reciprocity’ at Ascaso Gallery Bridges Generation Gap
‘Reciprocity’ at Ascaso Gallery Bridges Generation Gap
Artist Julio Larraz Exhibits Alongside Emerging Artists in Miami
Source: Miami Art Zine – Reciprocity at Ascaso Gallery Bridges Generation Gap
Friday, September 19, 2025
By Michelle F. Solomon, Editor & Visual Arts Writer
Julio Larraz, The Blind Storyteller, 2023. Oil on Canvas. 51 x 39.25 in. | 130 x 100 cm
Artist Julio Larraz envisioned an exhibition where his work would be shown alongside emerging artists. “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. Seeing them today in this exhibition is an act of celebration and continuity,” said Larraz.
Presented by Ascaso Gallery in collaboration with the Julio Larraz Foundation, Reciprocity unites Larraz’s work with pieces by eleven contemporary artists personally influenced by him: Cooper Dragonette, Reyner Ferrer, Julio Figueroa Beltrán, Nelson Jalil, Maia Larraz, Reynier Llanes, Jefreid Lotti, Heidi Love Larraz, Edel Lugones, Leticia Sánchez Toledo, and Jojacne Tellez.
The exhibition opens Saturday, Sept. 19 from 6 to 10 p.m. and runs through Nov. 8 at Ascaso Gallery in Miami. For the gallery, Reciprocity closes an important circle between master and disciples, nourishing the city’s cultural heritage.
Julio Larraz, Institute for Advance Marine Studies Casa Bianca, 2025. Oil on Canvas. 72 x 60 in. | 183 x 152 cm
Among the guest artists are Larraz’s daughter Maia and daughter-in-law Heidi. Heidi recalls visiting Larraz’s home in 1993, surrounded by luminous paintings: “Living among his works over the years, I often found myself studying the shifting tones and subtle layers, absorbing lessons from his brush without a word spoken.” Later, in his studio, she experienced another dimension: “His critiques, spare yet incisive, stayed with me long after, urging me to look harder and paint with greater honesty.”
Maia Larraz, E Pur Si Muove, 2025. Oil on Canvas. 60 x 48 in. | 152 x 122 cm
Maia reflects: “Art is not a performance but a daily practice, a devotion. Julio dismantled the myth of the tortured, inconsistent artist and instead revealed the power of moving quickly, trusting your vision, and capturing it before it fades.”
Larraz emphasizes discipline, intellectual honesty, and independence. “Art shouldn’t be subject to trends or external dictates; the artist must be true to his or her inner voice.” He also values the creative freedom of each artist: “In Reciprocity, each artist has complete freedom to show their world, without constraints. For me, freedom is the very essence of art, because only from freedom can something true be created.”
In today’s cultural climate, Larraz sees defending creative freedom as defending the dignity of the artist. “It means standing firm, even if it’s not always easy. Without creative freedom, art becomes propaganda or empty merchandise.”
Exhibition Details
- What: Ascaso Gallery and The Julio Larraz Foundation Present “Reciprocity”
- Where: Ascaso Gallery, 1325 NE 1st Ave., Miami
- When: Friday, Sept. 19 through Saturday, Nov. 8
- Opening Reception: Saturday, Sept. 19, 6–10 p.m.
- Information: ascasogallery.com
