El Salvadorian Artist Fernando Llort's
works carry universal significance, and yet are rooted in a distinct culture
and setting. Many paintings are saturated with bright colors and designs that
celebrate the harmony of the universe and the unity of humankind. In Llort's
harmonious landscapes, birds symbolize life; fire symbolizes unity and hope;
upraised hands express hope, supplication and thanksgiving; and the sun, God's
creative power.
However, most plants, animals, and human
activities and dwellings are stylizations of Salvadorian ones. When Llort began
painting In the 1970s, the Salvadorian masses, who had long been oppressed,
were becoming aware of their dignity and the rights which belong to people
everywhere. Llort's art evolved during the long, painful, struggle to realize
universal human values in this particular setting.
From the beginning, Llort organized
workshops for people with no art training to provide them skills and
employment. Since 1989 his "Foundation for the Advancement of Art and
Culture" has promoted hunreds more workshops and similar social endeavors.
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During El Salvador's tragic civil war
(1982-1992) and afterwards, his art has been widely appreciated for affirming
the common people's identity. His larger works beautify many important public
and religious places.
Llort’s work includes paintings, prints, engravings,
silk screens and lithographs. He and his workshops produce cups, plates, boxes,
towels and other objects for daily use, at affordable prices, evidencing his
continuing connection to ordinary folks. Some of these will be available in
connection with this exhibit.
