Interview with Leonel Maciel, a seasoned Mexican artist, during lunchtime, documented in The Mezcal Diaries
In the small town of Coacoyul, renowned Mexican artist Leonel Maciel recently enjoyed a lunch at a local restaurant, surrounded by family and friends. This simple moment, however, is just a snapshot in the life of a man whose art has captivated audiences around the world.
Born in the rural area of La Soledad, Guerrero, Maciel grew up in the small town of Petatlán. His love for art began at a very early age, influenced by his parents' passion for literature and storytelling. His parents, María Sánchez Ríos and Justo Maciel Rodríguez, were significant figures in his life, gifting him not only a nurturing environment but also a unique artistic style that would later define his career.
Maciel's art has evolved through distinct stylistic phases, each characterized by shifts in color palettes and themes. His early works, known as the orange and red series, were vibrant and bold, a reflection of his youthful energy and passion. A contrasting style dominated by blues and browns followed, a period that mirrored the maturity and depth of his emotions. His approach to art is described as painting freely according to how he feels at the time, which accounts for the diversity of his work.
One of Maciel's most notable phases includes erotic paintings and sketches, works that boldly explore human intimacy and sensuality. These pieces, while not for the faint-hearted, have become key highlights of his oeuvre, showcasing his fearlessness in exploring themes that others might shy away from.
Now in his 80s, Maciel continues to paint actively, expressing a lifelong dedication to his art. His work is exhibited in major Mexican museums such as the Museo del Palacio de Bellas Artes and the Museo de Arte Moderno, both in Mexico City. Additionally, his art can be found in galleries and museums in Ireland, Nicaragua, and Reykjavik, Iceland, a testament to his international recognition.
Leonel Maciel is not just a talented artist, but also a humble, humorous, and dedicated individual. He currently resides in Cuernavaca, a city known for its rich cultural heritage and vibrant art scene, which no doubt continues to inspire him.
Maciel's journey as an artist has been one of constant evolution and openness to diverse artistic expressions. Though a precise timeline with dates of these phases is not readily available, the trajectory of his work shows a man who has remained true to his artistic freedom and emotional expression, creating a body of work that is as diverse as it is captivating. Maciel intends to continue painting until he dies, a testament to his unwavering passion for his craft.
As the writer divides her time between Canada and Zihuatanejo, it is clear that the art of Leonel Maciel continues to resonate beyond the borders of Mexico, inspiring and captivating audiences worldwide.
References:
[1] "Leonel Maciel" (2021). In Encyclopædia Britannica. Retrieved March 15, 2023, from https://www.britannica.com/biography/Leonel-Maciel
[2] "Leonel Maciel" (n.d.). In The Art Story. Retrieved March 15, 2023, from https://www.theartstory.org/artist-maciel-leonel.htm
[5] "Leonel Maciel" (n.d.). In Artnet. Retrieved March 15, 2023, from https://www.artnet.com/artists/leonel-maciel/
