2023 International Juried Exhibition
Raúl Manzano, artist
“With this exhibition, The Center is crawling with life—birds, canyons, creation myths, Lady Justice with a piñata at the U.S.-Mexico border, and a frightened Lady Liberty sweating it out, eyeing the hands of new arrivals straining to gain purchase on her pedestal.”
Laurie Granieri
Discover Jersey Arts Website
January 2023
Our America! – Nuestra América!
Raúl Manzano, artist
“We acknowledge the sacrifices of previous generations and salute them for building a better country and world filled with opportunities for us all. With Latino heritage, and as Americans, we stand stronger than ever and in solidarity with our fellow countrymen and women.”
Empire State College
ESC Website
September-October 2021
In the Eye of the Beholder
Raúl Manzano, artist
“Our gallery space has hosted exhibitions from sources far and wide,” said Brewer. “I’m thrilled that we’ll be showcasing Raúl Manzano’s work for National Hispanic Heritage Month. His history as an immigrant informs his work and I’m sure others who see it will be as moved as we were.”
Gale Brewer
Manhattan Borough President
ESC Press Release, 2019
“We are proud to have Raúl Manzano’s art displayed by Borough President Brewer as part of the celebration of National Hispanic Heritage Month,” said SUNY Empire State College President Jim Malatras. “Professor Manzano’s artwork, besides being beautiful, challenges the viewer to think in new ways about what it means to be an American.”
Dr. Jim Malatras
ESC President
ESC Press Release, 2019
LIBERTY
Raúl Manzano, artist
“I want to also give a shout out to “Field of Dreams” for its visual double intender and interesting appropriation of a famous painting by Diego Rivera, “Calla Lily Vendor.” In the original painting a young woman is kneeling while a man loads a large basket of calla lilies onto her back to sell, such a perfect metaphor for what immigrant populations bring to this country both culturally and by the fruits of their labor. In “Field of Dreams,” the woman becomes Liberty herself whose head is bent and whose hands are in chains. Shackled, she is unable to bring her gifts to market.”
Donna Seager
Juror of exhibition
Catalog of Exhibition, September 2018
Many Voices, Muchas Voces
Raúl Manzano, artist and curator
“I am proud to join SUNY Empire State College to celebrate the rich history and proud heritage of the Latino community during National Hispanic Heritage month. The ‘Many Voices, Muchas Voces’ exhibition highlights the significant role of Latinos in helping to shape this nation and its future. Our voices are culturally significant and our stories help to tell the story of the American Dream in communities around the nation and to audiences around the globe.”
Rep. Adriano Espaillat
D-N.Y., 13th District
ESC Press Release, 2018
Dr. Mitchell S. Nesler
ESC Officer in Charge
ESC Press Release, 2018
La Raza: Embracing Diversity
Raúl Manzano, artist and curator
“I was thrilled to hear about the La Raza: Embracing Diversity exhibit, curated by Raúl Manzano,” said Megan Mullen, who recently joined the college as the associate dean of Humanities. “One of my great joys during the early months in my position has been seeing the diversity of artistic and cultural expression taking place within Empire State College. I’m especially pleased with what’s happening within my division, which encompasses the arts and humanities disciplines. La Raza represents something we all can celebrate and take part in.”
Dr. Megan Mullen
Associate Dean, Humanities and Arts
ESC Press release, 2016
Contrasts Contrastes
Raúl Manzano, artist
“Raul Manzano’s visual perception of nature and objects poses a natural reality versus an imaginary one in his new exhibit. The freshness and vividness of this new body of work contrasts colors and forms that define the relationship of the elements in the composition. By using a variety of techniques, including under painting, claroscuro, washes and paint drippings that create a visual imagery, the artist infuses a silent, intimate yet natural and dynamic touch. In Contrasts/Contrastes, Manzano juxtaposes these two notions, to intrigue and engage viewers to go on a journey and to discover the meaning of the artist’s reality and their own realities.”
Dora Riomayor
Curator of the Exhibition
Director International Studies, School of Visual Arts
May 2011
Icon or Myth? Icono o Mito?
Raúl Manzano, artist
“His paintings depict and embody the ideal of the Statue of Liberty expressed in different forms to engage the spectator introspectively as a viewer or as someone who’s being viewed. The artworks incite impassioned discussions about the true meaning of liberty as viewers reflect on diverse aspects of identity and find themselves drawn into seeing as others see. This interaction and discourse, in image and meaning, is Mr. Manzano’s intricate and powerful message.”
Dr. Cynthia Ward
Interim Dean, Metropolitan Center
Empire State College
October 2008
America on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown
Raúl Manzano, artist
“Raúl is a sensitive artist whose artworks have been well received by the art community because of their visual appeal, themes and message on important issues. His paintings raise awareness and inspire people to take action. The exhibition meets our goals and objectives of imparting to our students, especially those majoring in the arts, social responsibility and an intellectual, social, emotional and spiritual exploration of their being.”
Dr. Frank Macchiarola
President, St. Francis College
August 2007
En América
Raúl Manzano, artist
“En América is a ten-year survey of Manzano’s work focusing on his socio-political and cultural narratives of the Statue of Liberty and the American and Colombian flags. Manzano’s work plays an intrinsic role in the issue of identity, nostalgia, and awareness as experienced through his cross-cultural American and Colombian heritage and world events. His unique imagery is a reflection of his views of a pluralistic society. This exhibition coincides with Mr. Manzano’s informal discussion about his immigrant experience to students of the Fairleigh Dickinson University program Puerta al Futuro.”
Deborah González, Esq.
Director, Puerta al Futuro, Fairleigh Dickinson University
June 2004
Home Sweet Home * Hogar Dulce Hogar
Raúl Manzano, artist
“Raúl Manzano opens up a platform for dialogue with his consciousness raising paintings depicting historical and contemporary events. His works are social and cultural commentaries, which challenge the viewer and encourage awareness in our lives. Raúl, a fellow countryman who immigrated to the United States in search of his artistic dreams, found his voice in patriotic symbols such as the Colombian and United States flags and the Statue of Liberty, icons that have become the trademark of his work.”
Jaime Buenahora Febres-Cordero
General Consul of Colombia, New York
June 2003
I Love Manhattan
Raúl Manzano, artist
“Manzano, is a painter who imbues realism with strong emotional content.”
J. Sanders Eaton
Gallery & Studio
April/May 2003
American Dream
Raúl Manzano, artist and curator
“The American dream means different things to different people. This exhibition of immigrant artists from around the world illustrates the colorful and creative expressions of what the American dream means to them.”
C. Virginia Fields
Manhattan Borough President
October 2002
“This exhibition highlights the uniqueness of our multicultural society and the celebration of America’s diverse ethnicities and heritages. The magnificent display of artworks, wide-ranging in approach, and skillfully executed is worthy of recognition; your efforts to bring cultures together are to be commended.”
McManus Democratic Association
October 2002
Viva America! A Salute To Hispanic Heritage-II
Raúl Manzano, artist and curator
“With this special exhibition, people are invited not only to celebrate Hispanic Heritage but to experience the amiable, cordial, warm, and lively spirit that characterizes the Hispanic people. I proudly salute Hispanic culture and applaud the work of the artists of WSAC. This exhibition is a sample of unity of our great multicultural city that is New York: The Big Apple, and what better way to celebrate than through this exhibit. Viva America!”
C. Virginia Fields
Manhattan Borough President
October 2001
WSAC Celebrates the Parks & Monuments of NYC
Raúl Manzano, artist and coordinator
“I welcome the WSAC to the Arsenal Gallery. In the artistic range of your works, we see reflected the range of park users. In the works exhibited here, we benefit from the unique, oblique angle of their lenses and their gaze.”
Henry J. Stern
Parks Commissioner
May 2001
A Salute To Hispanic Heritage-I
Raúl Manzano, artist and curator
“This multimedia exhibition showcases not only the talents of various artists and craftspeople, but also the rich diversity of Hispanic Heritage and culture. It helps to demonstrate the large influence that Hispanic culture has on the rest of the world.”
C. Virginia Fields
Manhattan Borough President
October 2000
Evolving Symbols of America 2000
Raúl Manzano, artist
“Mr. Manzano, a passionately patriotic naturalized citizen is fascinated by the way in which time influences our perception of icons such as the United States flag and the Statue of Liberty. In transformative paintings, he intrigues the viewer to join him in an analytic process.”
The Paterson Museum
October 2000
“Manzano practices a kind of unadorned figuration reminiscent in its clarity and narrative quality of Rene Magritte. Manzano, however, combines a subtle surrealism with elements of Pop and social commentary in a way that make his oils on canvas quite unique.”
Gallery & Studio
October 2000
WSAC Salutes Ashkelon, Israel
Raúl Manzano, artist and coordinator
“It is for me a big enjoyment to see this exhibition. In a few pictures we can see many kind of arts. It is a wonderful experience for me as for your fellow colleagues in Ashkelon to see the works of the artists of WSAC.”
Benny Vaknin
Mayor of Ashkelon, Israel
May 2000
“I believe this exhibition is a symbol of the diversity and strength of the United States because our culture can absorb so many people from so many cultures and give them room for expression.”
Julie G. Connor
United States Cultural Attaché to Israel
Ashkelon, Israel
May 2000
Interchange of Ideas
Raúl Manzano, artist and curator
“Raúl Manzano’s work plays an important role by dealing with social, political and economic concepts. His painting of the American flag emphasizes the critical alteration of this emotionally charged icon. This sober and poignant picture forces the viewer to reflect upon our country’s historical events, current affairs, and to take more responsibility for its future.”
Renée Phillips
Manhattan Arts International
Summer 1999
Metamorphosis
Raúl Manzano, artist and curator
“Through inner symbols such as a dollar bill within a map of the U.S. and other pertinent details, Manzano expresses the metamorphosis of America from a beacon of freedom to a land of decadence and greed.”
Tony Cavanaugh
Artspeak
Summer 1997
AIDS Awareness
Raúl Manzano, artist and co-curator
“Manzano challenges us to assert our political rights to support AIDS recognition and research, and compassion through legislation.”
Rachel Youens
Manhattan Arts International
Summer 1996
New York Paintings
Raúl Manzano, artist
“Raúl Manzano’s oil paintings of monuments and objects of civilization are his personal interpretation of scenes in New York City. He directs the focus on this painted subject by eliminating human forms and only leaving evidence to indicate their presence.”
School of Visual Arts
January 1996
The Birth of Spring
Raúl Manzano, artist
“In his Colors, he expresses the mood of the painting.”
Claire Machaver
Clinton Chronicle
April/May 1995
