Cruz Jimenez hints at a sense of wonder hidden just below the surface of the recognised, the known, the ‘everyday’. His is an oeuvre where it is only our perception of realities which separates us from a magic that is ever-present – if we will look beyond the mundane and allow ourselves to fully appreciate what is around us, we will see the wonder in the world as the artist sees it.
While his works are essentially abstract, they present a veiled imagery that brings forth an intuitive understanding of the form being conveyed. We can recognise insects, birds, fish, leaves, trees, fire, clouds - a plethora of natural elements reside in this artist’s garden. Essentially optimistic, Jimenez imparts a sense of the miraculous in the small lives of everyday creatures – a pile of leaves being disturbed sets loose a furling mass of activity; a fire generates a rain of ruby sparks; a rippling pool disturbs the inhabitants and they dance under the surface of the water. Rather than painting specific creatures, Jimenez portrays his actors almost as parcels of life of ambiguous form. This ambiguity allows the viewer to recognise more easily the metaphor for human life which is developed through his pieces. However, the real skill of the artist is in making these small lives wondrous and poignant, reflecting the emotional complexity of considering the place of human existence in a large, spiritual context.
Born and raised in Southern California, Cruz Jimenez received his BA in Fine Art from the Art Institute of Southern California, where he was nominated to the New York Studio program scholarship. Having studied at several prestigious institutions, including Yale University and the Parsons School of Design, Cruz established his own gallery in L.A, while continuing to paint full time.
Cruz now lives and works in Auckland, New Zealand. His work hangs in permanent and private collections throughout the country, Europe and the United States.
Qualifications: Bachelor of Fine Arts in Painting and Drawing, Art Institute of Southern California, California, USA
Awards and Distinctions: Scope Art Fair, New York (2003); Nominated for New York Studio Scholarship as part of Bachelor of Fine Arts over a 2 year period (1993-95) – studying at Yale University, New York (Summer program - Art Theory); Parsons School of Design, New York; The New School for Social Research, New York (Art History); Board of Trustees Scholarship of Merit, Art Institute of Southern California, California (1993, 94, 95)
Exhibitions by Cruz Jimenez