AdamsArtExpose’ FRANCISCO VARGAS, ARTIST, ACTIVIST The film, “Equal Rights Documentary”, was produced, directed, and edited by Francisco Vargas. It br<strong>in</strong>gs to light the cont<strong>in</strong>u<strong>in</strong>g struggle, and some of the victories, <strong>in</strong> the struggle for equality among LGBT people. <strong>This</strong> film was entered <strong>in</strong> the <strong>20</strong>10 <strong>Palm</strong> Spr<strong>in</strong>gs Short Film Festival. It is one example of how Francisco Vargas has used his creative abilities to illum<strong>in</strong>ate the legitimacy of gay and bi people. Francisco Vargas came to the United States <strong>in</strong> 1985. Pa<strong>in</strong>t<strong>in</strong>g and draw<strong>in</strong>g has been a natural part of his existence s<strong>in</strong>ce he was a small boy. In Santiago, Chili,where he grew up, he created posters and graphics for corporate companies and boutiques. He was discouraged by some of the repression and restrictions <strong>in</strong> the political life of Chili. He moved to New York City to be a student at Parsons School. While complet<strong>in</strong>g his degree at Parsons, he worked at the New York Art Institute where he eventually became a member of the faculty. He was also a faculty member of Briarcliff College NY and of the Chub Institute of NYC. He taught: c<strong>in</strong>ematography, video production, digital film, computer applications and graphic design. He also became an advisor and <strong>in</strong>itiator of the LGBT Club at the Art Institute. In <strong>20</strong>12, he moved to <strong>Palm</strong> Spr<strong>in</strong>gs with Tom his husband of 30 years. Here, Francisco has collaborated with Roy Smith, also an artist, to open the Smith-Vargas Gallery at 1003 N. <strong>Palm</strong> Canyon Drive <strong>in</strong> <strong>Palm</strong> Spr<strong>in</strong>gs. The web site of the Gallery exhibits the c<strong>in</strong>ematic design creativity of Fancisco as seen <strong>in</strong> the animated front page, which <strong>in</strong>corporates the figure art of Roy Smith with the colorful landscape pa<strong>in</strong>t<strong>in</strong>g of Francisco. You will f<strong>in</strong>d Francisco work<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> the gallery, as his studio, creat<strong>in</strong>g pa<strong>in</strong>t<strong>in</strong>gs with a unique depth. He achieves this by us<strong>in</strong>g a clear glaze, sprayed on between layers of brush pa<strong>in</strong>t<strong>in</strong>g. The mission of Smith-Vargas Gallery is to “Open a venue for artists to articulate their self-image, self-reflection, and self expression - and to expand the sensibility of beauty to the community.” Francisco is a treasured asset to the broad community of Coachella Valley, <strong>Palm</strong> Spr<strong>in</strong>gs, and especially to the LGBT community. His eclectic creativity is demonstrated <strong>in</strong> the various activities of his participation, from creat<strong>in</strong>g art, to advocat<strong>in</strong>g for human rights. The two pieces of art created by Francisco, shown <strong>in</strong> this article, represent, first, an <strong>in</strong>k draw<strong>in</strong>g produced as a young student <strong>in</strong> Chili, and now <strong>in</strong>corporated <strong>in</strong> the pa<strong>in</strong>t<strong>in</strong>g, titled, “closet”. <strong>This</strong> depicts the frustration and restrictions he felt of not be<strong>in</strong>g able to express his creativity and sexuality. The second pa<strong>in</strong>t<strong>in</strong>g titled, “Out”, illustrates a figure with raised arms, embrac<strong>in</strong>g the freedom and elation of emancipated self expression. If you have questions or comments, contact me at adamsartexpose@gmail.com 24 Your <strong>week</strong>ly LGBT <strong>Gay</strong> Desert Guide. View our Free Digital Version on-l<strong>in</strong>e.
“Closet” “Out” Visit us at desertdailyguide.com and Like us on Facebook.com/desertdailyguide 25