A wide shot of a ceramics studio, featuring students working with pottery wheels and other tools.

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Herman Aguirre

Lecturer

Contact

Bio

BFA, 2014, School of the Art Institute, Chicago, IL; MFA, 2017, School of the Art Institute, Chicago, IL. Exhibitions: Zolla Lieberman Gallery, Chicago; Portrait Society Gallery, Milwaukee, WI; Steve Turner Gallery, Los Angeles, CA. Publications: New American Paintings Issues #129, #137, #143; Studio Visit Volume # 39, #44. Collections: National Mexican Museum; Permanent Collection, Chicago, IL; Rockford Art Museum; Permanent Collection, Rockford, IL. Awards: Fine Arts Work Center Residency, Provincetown, MA; Leonore Annenberg Foundation Fellowship.

Personal Statement

The works are composed of visual representations depicting traumatic events
that shape the world around me. As a Mexican American, I use my identity, culture, and traditions as a potent form of inspiration. Through the materiality of paint, I try to capture the essence of an image referencing personal and public events. I explore abstract and representational ideas to bring forth the immediacy of issues regarding war, trauma, and loss. Whether political, social, or personal: the objects, images, and events depicted become conduits for obsessive ideas.

I undergo the spiritual process of mourning while commemorating those who have been subject to mayhem, violence, and war. In response to such shocking and traumatic events, I forge the victims’ found remains. Through the use of references, paint, and paint skins I fabricate the individuals and clothing left behind on the day of their massacre.

As a small gesture, I entangle their remains with trinkets, flowers, and photos symbolizing the fragility of their lives and the malleability of remembrance. Covering their brown, grey, and blackened bodies with slivers of fresh cools and radiant reds; fields of color engulf the broad surface with elegance. These events have transformed into memorials that should not be forgotten.

Ultimately, the work generated is made out of adoration towards my family and the love of my people. By embracing these subjects, I allow a visual representation to symbolize the human condition we live in and the issues we face collectively. These paintings not only acknowledge current events, but also allow for each object, image, or event to continue having a presence not only today but also in the future.

Courses

Title Department Catalog Term

Description

In this dynamic course, you'll explore drawing as a powerful way to express your thoughts, feelings, and unique ideas. Whether new to the medium or looking to sharpen your skills, you'll investigate contemporary themes and subjects while developing essential techniques like line, perspective, tone, proportion, composition, value, gesture, and contour. Get hands-on with various traditional and modern drawing materials, experimenting with everything from charcoal and graphite to ink and vibrant water-based paints. You'll also visit the Art Institute of Chicago, interact with professional artists, and take virtual tours of museums when available¿all designed to inspire your artistic journey. This course emphasizes personal expression and creative exploration, making it the perfect space for beginners and experienced artists to discover their artistic voice. Note: Figure Drawing and Figure Painting use nude models hired by the School. Other painting and drawing classes may use them to a lesser degree.

Class Number

1273

Credits

1

Description

This course is intended for students with little to no oil painting experience and introduces this medium's specific materials and processes. You'll get hands-on experience with essential skills through demonstrations on stretching canvases, setting up your paint palette, and applying various techniques. You'll also learn how to mix colors. These foundational skills will prepare you to create work for your portfolio. Throughout the course, you'll delve into color theory, composition, structure, proportion, and perspective while painting from observation. Experiment and discover your unique artistic voice and style in a supportive and encouraging environment. Basic drawing and water-based painting experience is required. Note: Figure Drawing and Figure Painting use nude models hired by the School. Other painting and drawing classes may use them to a lesser degree.

Class Number

1104

Credits

1

Description

This course is perfect for students passionate about drawing but new to painting. Build your drawing skills as a solid foundation to explore exciting new painting techniques as you define your unique artistic vision with the guidance of your instructor. You will explore essential skills such as line, volume, space, materiality, form and function, and color. Various traditional and contemporary materials will be utilized, including graphite, charcoal, pastels, water-based paints, mixed media, and collage. Additionally, visits to the Art Institute of Chicago and discussions about contemporary artists will enhance the studio experience and inspire students to develop conceptual ideas in their artworks. By the end of this course, you'll have a deeper understanding of different art materials and the confidence to transition from drawing to painting. This course is beneficial for beginners as well as those looking to refine and enhance their skills. Note: Figure Drawing and Figure Painting use nude models hired by the School. Other painting and drawing classes may use them to a lesser degree.

Class Number

1278

Credits

1

Description

Painting Practice is an introductory painting course offering. The curriculum addresses basic skills as related to a painting studio practice. Topics and curricular goals include material, facility and technique, space and color, as well as concept. This course is a prerequisite for all Multi-level Painting, Figure Painting and Advanced Painting Studio classes.

Class Number

1690

Credits

3

Description

Students draw from the model as a means of understanding form, shape, and line using a variety of media. The course emphasizes shorter poses as training in immediate response to gesture and form. This course serves as a requirement and preparation for topic-based Figure Drawing B classes.

Class Number

1650

Credits

3

Description

This drawing studio serves as a broad introduction to historical and contemporary drawing practices. This course presents drawing as an organizer of thought, experience, and image.

Students will investigate a full range of drawing materials and supports. Lectures and exercises introduce various concepts of drawing, possibly including illusionistic form and space, gesture and expressive mark-making, or collage and found imagery, depending on the instructor?s emphasis.

Designed to accommodate many skill levels, students can explore various creative strategies through technical drawing exercises, material explorations, and individual projects. Structured classroom critiques will bring drawing concepts into personal student work.

Class Number

1651

Credits

3