San Diego, California — Madison Gallery presents the unique artistic journey of Ángel Ricardo Ricardo Rios in his solo exhibition La Verdad Absoluta. Born in Cuba, Rios’ educational background has significantly influenced his path, starting at the National School of Art San Alejandro, Havana, Cuba, and later onto the Higher Institute of Art Havana. Living in multiple countries like Mexico and the United States has transformed his style, his way of living, and his perception of the world. His solo endeavor, a testament to his education and life journey.

For Rios, painting is a means to create non-conceptual, unconscious art by embracing the beauty of human mistakes. His work reflects his intellectual exhaustion and his strong desire to live authentically, not conforming to societal expectations but engaging with life on his terms. La Verdad Absoluta symbolizes the absolute truth of Rios’ mind as he navigates life. In Ricardo Rios’ realm of feeling, everything becomes clear—things are simply as they are, exemplifying la verdad absoluta, the absolute truth.

Rios’ artistic journey, marked by international experiences, offers moments of introspection and gratitude. His paintings capture the rawness of each moment, though he struggles to find words to describe his vision. Bound by intuition and emotion, Rios abstains from formal methodologies or theories, allowing viewers the freedom to interpret his work. Ángel believes art should not provide answers but engage the senses. His works invite viewers to experience their essence rather than judge them, encouraging a shift from ‘Is it good or bad?’ to ‘Does it please me or not?’—embracing the truth of their existence and engaging the audience in a thoughtful interpretation.

Ricardo has exhibited individually since 1981 in multiple institutions, including the Chapo University Museum, Popular Art Museum in Mexico City, Galeria Luis Sandoval Contemporary Art in Mexico City, and Fernando Pradilla Gallery in Madrid. He has exhibited collectively in Zona Maco in Mexico City, Art Miami, and the Biennial of Havana in Cuba. Ricardo has received several awards and mentions, including Honorable Mention in the fourth Biennial of Visual Arts Yucatan Mexico and multiple publications, including Art Magazine Spain and Art Nexus.

In this exhibition we have combined a series of selected works by Ángel Ricardo Ricardo Rios to produce an exhibition that captivates the profound exploration of life as is. Ángel was primarily educated in sculpting and is familiar with the direct physicality between the artist and the material. This is expressed in vibrant colors, that have an eagerness to it, a blur of boundaries within its space. The mixing and intertwining of subjects give way to color, texture, and shape explosions. To understand Ríos’ work, one must acknowledge the elements of playful, joyful, and intimate relationship that takes the form of an intense, frantic sexual nature within the composition. This exhibition, in addition to showcasing Rios’ distinct artistic vision, is a testament to Madison Gallery’s dedication to enhancing the cultural conversation in Southern California by bringing important Latin American and worldwide artists to the area. It’s a journey that will excite and captivate you.

Founded by Lorna York in 2001, Madison Gallery’s program focuses on internationally recognized, museum-level artists whose work contributes to domestic and international cultural dialogue. The gallery presents significant Latin artists and brings international artists to Southern California for the first time. The core gallery program focuses on established and mid-career artists, but the gallery also punctuates the program with historical exhibitions to provide depth and context. Artists represented by Madison Gallery receive critical attention and are widely exhibited. Many of the gallery’s primary artists, shown initially with Madison Gallery, are now being exhibited internationally and by established galleries in other cities, proving that the gallery has become a springboard for young talent.