SOUTH REALISM X (2021)

Work by Edgar Cano is not easily classified or labeled and that is a good thing.

Cano began his artistic journey as a realistic painter in a true academic tradition. His technique and imagery in this genre are flawless.

Recently, Cano has chosen to break free of the rigors and limitations of academic realism stating that, “The mastering of a technique is not enough.” He searched and experimented with different techniques, forms, concepts, and materials to develop a familiar and yet unique body of work titled, South/Realism/X.

Cano’s new canvases break free of the square/rectangular format. He works on surfaces that have jutting points and rounded humps - they are anything but traditional in shape. The imagery he creates is beautifully married to his syncopated canvases.

And what are we to make of Cano’s imagery? It consists of layer upon layer of realistic forms and geometric lines and shapes that fade back and forth across the canvas surface. Cano creates visual puzzles that defy solution or resolution. The viewer is challenged by the intriguing push and pull of realism and geometry.

Cano’s aim with South/Realism/X was to, “develop a different work from those that I have previously created.” He has succeeded. 

Phyllis Lear, 2021

Natchitoches, LA.