Raoul de la Sota

  Click images below to enlarge

I have always been interested in the lives, myths and legends of indigenous peoples. Their beliefs in the structure of the cosmos as well as their iconographic symbols motivate my work. Recent work deals with, among other subjects, the use of Sacred Mountains as symbols for the ancient cultures and cactus as a metaphor for the people themselves. The paintings of cosmological phenomena deal with ancient beliefs that extend from South America to our own Southwest.

The historical and positive aspects of the Nopal and Maguey cactus being used for food, clothing, drink, building material and medicine are well documented as are its connections to ancient deities but in addition they also have a dangerous and menacing quality which I use as a parallel to the society.

Born in Los Angeles, CA, Raoul attended Los Angeles City College, UCLA and UCLA Grad School.