‘1521’

‘1521’, 2023

Oscar Loeza of Jair Loeza

Acrylic on Canvas
16″ x 20″

I was driven to paint this piece after thinking of those who came before us. This is in honor of those who are no longer with us. Even though they’re gone, let their spirit and memories live on based on what they did and the legacy they left behind.

Oscar Jaíro Loeza was born in Michoacán, Mexico on September 17, 1989. At just 3 months old, he crossed the Mexico-United States border with his parents and two sisters. Oscar spent most of his childhood living in Orange County, where he was diagnosed with Muscular Dystrophy at 3 years old after having experienced knee pain and limping. His mother began using drawings and doodles to distract him from his disability, propelling his art journey. Because Muscular Dystrophy affects every muscle in the body, weakening it, the disease also began to compromise Oscar’s respiratory system.

While Oscar paints, he keeps others in mind who do not have the ability or resources to create art. Keeping his own mental and physical struggles in mind, Oscar creates images generated by his thoughts. His work is a form of expressionism with a hint of realism. He paints from the soul and dwells in what he feels until the piece is finished.