The Butler opens new exhibition featuring Cuban-American artist, Julio Larraz

YOUNGSTOWN - The Butler Institute of Art is presenting a suite of new pieces with an exhibition by internationally acclaimed Cuban-American artist, Julio Larraz.

Born in 1944 in Havana, Cuba, Larraz moved to the United States in 1961 at the age of 17, beginning his career as a political cartoonist and caricaturist. His drawings were featured in popular publications, including The New York Times and The Washington Post. 

By the early 1970's Larraz focused solely on his painting, opening his first exhibition in 1971 in Washington, D.C. He then went on to feature his works in several esteemed venues, including the Coral Gables Museum (FL), Miles McEnery Gallery (NY), Contini Galleria d'Arte (Venice), Ascaso Gallery (FL), Art of the World Gallery (TX) and Complesso del Vittoriano (Rome).

According to the Butler, Larraz draws on these early works to give his oil paintings a consistent visual narrative and sharp observation. The press release described Larraz's work as using "...a mastery of light, precision of detail, and an ever-present undercurrent of wit," and combining "satirical social commentary, poetic symbolism and art-historical allusions" to give his work layers of meaning and context.

The exhibition is available in the MacIntosh Gallery on the second floor as part of the Butler's celebration of National Hispanic Heritage Month.

Larraz's work will be available at the Butler until November 23. 

The Butler features free admission and parking.