The Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center presents Dulce, a new exhibition by multi-disciplinary artist Raul González. The exhibition will run from May 21 – July 22, 2015 at the Guadalupe Gallery (1301 Guadalupe).

Dulce combines two bodies of paintings González has created over the past five years. Pop art, traditional Mexican candies, and the hip-hop culture inspire the first body of work.

“I use these life-sized candies as a way of glorifying the memories and sweetness of my childhood and embellishing the richness of Mexican heritage and culture,” González said. “When I think of my Mexican heritage, the first thing that comes to mind is the food – in this case, the sweets.”

The second body of paintings, González said, is a true reflection of who he is today. In this series, the artist uses contemporary abstract painting as a way to identify emotion, people, and feelings.

“In these paintings, I am reflecting on the joys and challenges of being a new father and taking on the role of a stay-at-home dad,” he said. “Even though there are moments of grief or frustration, every moment of raising a child is one of the sweetest things someone can experience in their lifetime.”

In keeping with the sweet theme, the opening reception will include Mexican candies from local vendors and a performance of CAKE CAKE CAKE, during which González will cut cake-like paintings for guests upon request.

Born and raised in Houston, Texas, González received his BFA in Painting from the University of Houston and his MFA in Painting from the University of Texas in San Antonio. He currently lives in San Antonio with his wife K.C. and daughter June. His artwork can be found in numerous private collections throughout the U.S. and public collections such as the San Antonio Museum of Art, Mexic-Arte Museum (Austin), UTSA, Capital One Financial Systems (Plano, TX), the Harriett and Ricardo Romo Collection, and University Health System Art Collection (San Antonio). For more information visit artistraulgonzalez.com.