‘Lost Innocence’

‘Lost Innocence’, 2023

Oscar Loeza of Jair Loeza

Acrylic on Canvas
36″ x 36″

The subject of this piece has war paint on her face. I was inspired to create this painting when I thought of how much people have gone through over the history of mankind. People have sacrificed and fought for generations in ways we can only imagine because we weren’t there to witness it ourselves. That self-sacrifice and endurance is a show of love and what people will do for the ones they love.

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.