Artist Julio Larraz had an idea for an exhibition where his work would be shown alongside of emerging artists. He said it was born from a desire to bridge a gap between generations.
“Throughout my life, I've received so much from those who came before me, and it seemed right and necessary to open a space where young artists, with whom I share affection and dialogue, could show their works alongside mine. Seeing them today in this exhibition is an act of celebration and continuity,” said Larraz.
Julio Larraz, The Blind Storyteller, (2023), oil on canvas. (Photo courtesy of the Julio Larraz Foundation)
Ascaso Gallery, in collaboration with the Julio Larraz Foundation, presents “Reciprocity,” an innovative exhibition that unites a selection of works by Larraz with pieces by eleven contemporary artists whose art and vision have been personally influenced by Julio Larraz.
The exhibition features Cooper Dragonette, Reyner Ferrer, Julio Figueroa Beltrán, Nelson Jalil, Maia Larraz, Reynier Llanes, Jefreid Lotti, Heidi Love Larraz, Edel Lugones, Leticia Sánchez Toledo, and Jojacne Tellez.
The opening is Saturday, Sept. 19 from 6 to 10 p.m. at the Miami gallery and the exhibition runs through Nov. 8.
For the gallery, “Reciprocity" brings to fruition and closes an important circle that establishes the relationship between the work of a significant master and his disciples, thus opening the way to new generations of artists who will nourish the city's cultural heritage.Larraz said he has received much inspiration and teaching from his mentors.
“Over time, I realized that my duty was to give back some of that wealth: generosity, advice, companionship. Personally, I have also experienced this reciprocity with my family, friends, and colleagues; everything I have given has always returned multiplied.”
Julio Larraz, Institute for Advance Marine Studies Casa Bianca (2025) oil on canvas. (Photo courtesy of the Julio Larraz Foundation)
Among the guest artists are Larraz’s daughter, Maia, and his daughter-in-law Heidi.
“I first met Julio Larraz in 1993,” said Heidi. “Visiting his home, surrounded by paintings that glowed with light and mystery and the environment he surrounded himself. Living among his works over the years, I often found myself studying the shifting tones and subtle layers, absorbing lessons from his brush without a word spoken,” she said.
Then, later when in his studio, she experienced another dimension that would become an influence on her own work.
“His critiques, spare yet incisive, stayed with me long after, urging me to look harder and paint with greater honesty. Julio’s vision, discipline, and poetic approach to form and color have profoundly shaped my own practice. For his guidance, his art, and the time spent learning by his side, I am profoundly grateful.”
His daughter, Mai, recalled growing up watching her father paint.I understood that art is not a performance but a daily practice, a devotion. Julio dismantled the myth of the tortured, inconsistent artist and instead revealed the power of moving quickly, trusting your vision, and capturing it before it fades.”
Maia Larraz E Pur Si Muove (2025), oil on canvas.
Larraz has been a role model for generations of artist. He said that he tries to convey certain guiding principles to up-and-coming artists. The value of discipline, intellectual honesty, and independence. I always say that art shouldn't be subject to trends or external dictates; the artist must be true to his or her inner voice. I also try to convey the importance of respecting each individual's creative freedom.”
The artist also believes that as much as he gives to the new generations, they also continually teach him.“Art is a constant dialogue, and being around new generations allows me to refresh my perspective. They inspire me, surprise me, challenge me. That vital energy also transforms me.”At the heart of Larraz’s practice lies an uncompromising devotion to freedom. His paintings and drawings spring from an inventive imagination and an unwillingness to allow external forces to dictate his art.
As he has declared: “Freedom, …the most important thing in art.”That belief is reflected in the current show.“In ‘Reciprocity,’ each artist has complete freedom to show their world, without constraints. For me, freedom is the very essence of art, because only from freedom can something true be created.”
Today’s cultural landscape finds art facing censorship, freedom of speech threatened and belief systems challenged.
Larraz, who currently lives and works in Miami, said that creative freedom to him as an artist is non negotiable.
“It means standing firm, even if it's not always easy. Without creative freedom, art becomes propaganda or empty merchandise. Defending it is, in my opinion, defending the dignity of the artist.”
WHAT: Ascaso Gallery and The Julio Larraz Foundation Present "Reciprocity"
WHERE: Ascaso Gallery, Miami, 1325 NE 1st Ave., Miami
WHEN: Friday, Sept. 19 through Saturday, No. 8.
INFORMATION: (305) 571-9410 and www.ascasogallery.com
