Virtual Art Tour

Alfredo Arreguin, American (Mexican born), born 1935

Rialto

One of the first real practitioners of "pattern-painting," a style that utilizes repeated decorative motifs for an overall effect, Alfredo Arreguin has used this technique to create mesmerizing paintings and an international position for himself within the art world.

Arreguin's subject matter includes the vegetation and creatures of his native central and southern Mexico, and often deals with the conflict between the beauty in nature and the attitude of nature as a place for commercial gain, a conflict he witnessed personally as a teen in the jungles of Mexico. Incorporated into his work are the design motifs of 25 centuries of cultural Mexican history, including the Aztecs, without exactly duplicating them.

His interest in art began at the age of eight, but was temporarily stalled when his family moved from Morelia, Michoacan to Mexico City. Arreguin's college education began by studying architecture at the University of Washington, until his interest in art resurfaced, prompting him to earn his bachelor of arts and masters of fine arts degrees. Arreguin still lives and works in the Seattle area.

His many awards include a commendation at the Artists' Society First International Achievement Awards in San Francisco and the People's Choice Award at the 11th International Festival of Paintings at Cagnes Sur-Mer, France. One of his images was also chosen for the 1985 UNICEF greeting card. In 1988, the University of Mexico honored Arreguin by publishing a book about his life and his work. In l994, the National Museum of American Art, part of The Smithsonian, acquired Arreguin's triptych "Sueno" (Dream: Eve before Adam). In l999, the Washington State Legislature passed a resolution honoring Arreguin for his community service and for his contributions to art and culture in Washington.