After years of professional dedication to the business of photography, it was during the year 2000 when José Miguel González developed Macula Degeneration affecting both of his eyes, which pulled him away from lenses and cameras. The apocalyptic Y2K did not leave marks on computers but it did on him.

While looking for a hobby, compatible with his scarce vision in which he could occupy his spare time, painting became an incentive motivation. Cervantes used to say: “Where a door closes, another one opens”… And this is the way it had been. Self-defeating, yes; because even though, he only retained part of his peripheral vision, José Miguel uses small tricks, tools (among them, magnifiers provided to him by the O.N.C.E.), devices, mechanisms and artifacts. All together, becoming part of a plan to reach a goal: Taking pleasure in everything he does. Realization, feeling proud of achieving his aspirations… yes, and also optimistic and good humor so characterized on him (a necessity and gratification not only to him but also to his family and friends) in which he tries to “see” everything around him.

Regardless of all the adversities he endured, here comes some samples of his performance, his art. His paintings are simple in composition and content, trying to stand out from the atmosphere and ambience of the place. He will travel to locations, all of them, near his residence because the only adequate light for him to utilize, is the sunlight. His strokes are agile and dynamic. Fast and loose without having superfluous details. Looking for the freshness and spontaneity that water colors provide. And, without any doubts, in my opinion, he makes them vibrate. His strokes have such an impact that it seems to become impregnated in the retina. Reminiscent of the Japanese watercolors. Minimalists, conceptual and spontaneous.

This is how he demonstrated on previous individualist and collectivist expositions. In which he had great acceptation among the general public, motivated in part, by the comprehension it entails being a deficient visual artist. Nevertheless I repeat, here is his art, which does not need deception, artifices or dramatic pretenses to be recognized like so. A natural re-vision, concrete in its pure state. We hope you will enjoy his virtual exposition.

You can watch a video about José Miguel González by pressing here.