Peruvian artwork is distinguished from that of most other Latin American countries in its continuing creation of religious oils. We've all seen varying qualities of this art style in Miraflores shops. But, if someone is looking for a specific piece, they may have problems finding it. Our family has found great satisfaction working directly with an artist and commissioning the artwork we desire. Meet our favorite Lima artist.
We were first introduced to Ruben Aponte, painter of religious oils, two decades ago during the years of terrorism. Ruben has spent most of his life in a modest home in old Surco, a place which is hard to find. The route we took on that first day wound through a virtually impassible traffic jam that would one day become the Ovalo Higerreta complex. It passed through open-air contraband markets and in close proximity to olive-drab tanks filled with teenage boys in uniform, and armed with machine guns.
It was in those desperate, hopeless days that we were led to an unmarked house in front of an open-air market where an old Indian woman was systematically wringing the necks of frightened chickens. Slipping only slightly on their blood, we knocked on the peeling turquoise paint of Ruben's termite-riddled front door. A man in his 30's answered. I noticed immediately his expressive brown eyes, cinnamon-color skin, and mane of thick black hair. He invited us to step down into his studio/living room, where we were stunned to see a large and detailed oil painting of an infant Christ blessing the Magi. When complete, this painting would be overlaid with intricate gold leaf and would find its home on the wall of a Miraflores condo, facing the Pacific Ocean.
That day began a new chapter in our lives – as patrons of this artist. During these past 20 years, our acquisitions have included, among other things, medieval-style art, virgins, and a set of four large triangular-shaped angels that surround the altar in our home church in Texas.
Although Ruben's paintings can be found in churches and in private collections in throughout the U.S., Europe, and South America, they have never been available on the open market. Ruben's work takes time: he is a perfectionist. We have learned over our years of working together that he cannot be rushed.
As I gaze at a beautiful painting of the virgin and child sitting on my bedside table in Lima, I remember that it was less than two years ago when we received the call that Ruben had stage four stomach and liver cancer. Our urgent prayers for his health were answered with the cancer going into remission. Though prohibited from painting in oils during his treatment, Ruben has again returned to his favorite medium. Overcoming severe neuritis from the chemo, his most recent work bears touches of intricate gold leaf. With each visit, our hope is renewed.
The life of an artist, even a very good one, is difficult. Ruben is always on the lookout for a few new clients. Anyone interested in commissioning a high-quality oil painting would do well to consider Ruben. See more of Ruben's art on his website www.rubenaponte.marieac.com.
Marie Alvarez Calderon is a writer who travels with her husband, Jaime, between their homes in Peru and Texas. Her upsoming memoir contains a chapter on Ruben's inspirational life. Check out Marie's website at www.marieac.com. |
