Uriel “Conquista” Landeros: Rompiendo el cielo

From IMAS:

“Description: When the sky’s the limit, what happens when you break the sky? Rompiendo el cielo is an exhibition that features original work by American artist, Uriel Landeros “Conquista.” This exhibition explores themes of identity, cultural heritage, migration, and representation of Indigenous communities in contemporary art. Rompiendo el cielo presents a series of portraits of Icons who have in their own right “broken the sky” through their extraordinary achievements. This exhibit also features original works of art from the artist’s private collection by some of the most recognizable names including Pablo Picasso, Banksy, Andy Warhol, Salvador Dalí, Julian Schnabel, Tony Shafrazi, Rupert Smith, and Joseph Beuys.

Uriel Landeros, “Conquista,” is a multidisciplinary artist, muralist, and social sculptor. In 2018, he received his degree in Fine Arts from the University of Houston.

American artist, Uriel Landeros’ work functions as a form of social sculpture to bring attention to contemporary issues faced at the US-Mexico border. Displacement, identity, and ancestral connection to the land are themes that the artist examines to inform viewers of the struggle of Indigenous communities throughout North and South America. His work draws special attention to social issues including human migration and borders, both physical and psychological.

As an American artist of Native Descent, Uriel chose the name “Conquista” to be representative of the complex socio-cultural exchange that occurred when Europeans arrived in the Americas. The term “conquista” means to conquer. The choice of name is a direct commentary on the cultural plundering of the Americas undertaken by European colonizers, and the cultural displacement and appropriation of sacred objects by Western Institutions. As a means of reappropriating the word for Indigenous communities, the artist has recontextualized the word to be an active state-of-being. In his own words, “To recognize your success is to conquer, to succeed when the odds are against you is to conquer, to break the sky is to conquer.” In 2012 at the age of 21, Uriel became the youngest artist to exhibit work in a National Institute of Fine Arts of Mexico museum when he exhibited work in The Disrespectful exhibition at the Carrillo Gil Art Museum in Mexico City, “breaking the sky” in his own right.

Currently, Landeros resides with his family in his hometown, Edinburg, Texas. In his time back in the Rio Grande Valley, the artist continues to be an inspiration and activist within his community. He has produced several hundred murals throughout South Texas for small businesses, community figures, and schools. The murals he paints are seen every day by residents of the Rio Grande Valley and visitors to the community. His murals at IDEA Academy campuses throughout the state of Texas play a crucial role in the development of young learners’ appreciation and understanding of fine art.

The artist’s previous and current body of work functions as a tool for personal growth and social change.
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