Windows: a Perspective On Jose Luis Rodriguez

Artist Jose Luis Rodriguez uses the term "windows" as a metaphor for how he gains inspiration: to Rodriguez, "windows" are openings which convey information. In his best work, displayed in this overview by filmmaker David Johanson, Rodriguez's paintings catch a glimpse of the human condition. Combining an interest in pre-Columbian artifacts with portraiture, Rodriguez's faces seem to be emerging from the canvas. Sometimes with only a few brush strokes the artist brings not only a face into existence but even a feeling--we can see the emotion that shaped that face at that particular moment. Switching between shots of Rodriguez' work and comments by the artist, Windows is a fairly basic video work, but it's a good introduction to an impressive talent. Recommended for libraries with large modern art holdings. (R. Pitman)