Jamie Salazar profiles Francisco Mata Rosas

As most of you are well aware, being an art student in Texas it is always a great thing to find the common thread between you and some of the world’s most recognized creators.

  One in fact has shown here locally at the Photography as Art Gallery in Fredericksburg, Texas.  He is one of the great Mexican Artists from Mexico City, mastering in Visual Arts from UNAM.  He received awards from all across the globe and has been included if not featured in many publications.

His various collections of works reflect an intense look at the people and society in Mexico, and the surrounding controversial topics from immigration, trade, gangs, drug enforcement, and border issues.  He not only sheds light onto these topics from a “Mexican” viewpoint, but that of the everyman.  His eye captures some daily life, traditions, and exceptional moments in life which all of us as viewers can find common ground and relevance towards.

The use of contrast and depth in his photos really led to the theme and reflection of reality in his works.  The truth in the subject matter come across instantly and yet there still seems to be a little more of a secret relevance included in the works.  Take for example his photos of children smoking, they seem dark and sad at first, but then you snap and realize “Hey that’s a child….smoking?!”  WTF?!  These are some of the truths reflected in his works.  I find the ones of the border crossing issues to be quite dramatic, even without the use of people.  He obviously has an award winning eye, but the relatability and honesty is the key to his works.

For More information on him or his work:     www.fransicomata.com.mx      &      www.5piecesgalleryphoto.com