"Wizard Behind the Solar Curtain," By Christopher Villarreal

Opening reception for "The Wizard Behind the Solar Curtain," inks, graphite, and brushes on Bristol paper/illustration board by Christopher Villareal. Exhibit runs from September 25–November 13.

Artist's Statement

I am an illustrator who, since childhood, has been fascinated with the world of creation and inspired by the Golden Age of illustration. As the years have gone by, I have learned the methods to further enhance my own abilities in creating these works of art.

I am influenced by dark surrealism, fantasy, expressionism, and comics. My work explores the realms beyond this world and what may hide behind them, in a symbolic esoteric structure or in a fantastical nightmare. Mythology, astrology, alchemy, and the occult are centered at the core of my work.

This is created through traditional methods, such as inks, graphite, and brushes on Bristol paper or illustration boards. My motivation is to open the minds of spectators to ponder the question: what else could really be out there? As well as inspiring other curious onlookers to pick up a pencil and start illustrating.

Artist's Bio

Christopher Villarreal is an illustrator based in Salt Lake City, Utah, whose work explores the themes of mythology, symbolism, occultism, and astrology through a surrealist and fantastical environment. Born and raised in Ancon, Panama, Christopher started drawing his favorite comic characters, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, at a very early age.

He has since been intrigued by the world of illustration and has developed the skills to further express the ideas that come to his mind. He is also invested in creating music. He currently plays in a local grindcore band called Crepusculum, which explores the idea of cryptids living among us. His dream is to create a comic where he'll be able to fully immerse the viewer into his world of dark fantasy.