Today we’d like to introduce you to Hugo Perez.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Hugo. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
In 2015, I rediscovered my inner painter. It was born out of the desire to create without the input of a client or to satisfy a brief. I had been working in advertising and as many of you know, the industry has a tendency to drain your creative energy. The painting became a way to explore another facet of myself. I began painting large-scale figurative work, mostly faces. The work was heavily influenced by many of the art movements I studied in my undergrad. I went to school for visual communication with a focus on graphic design.
The art took on a life of its own, I became more interested in painting than anything else. Eager to share my work with friends I posted a lot of it on social media. The response was positive. Some of my friends and many of my colleagues became my first collectors.
It snowballed from there, I entered my work in group exhibitions in local galleries, I donated work to non-profits, I immersed myself in the Houston art scene. I currently work and sell out of my studio at Spring Street. I am the marketing director for Pride Portraits, a photographic campaign promoting awareness and visibility and I am painting my largest work to date — a Pride mural in the Heights.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
I can’t say it has been fresh asphalt every day but I will say the universe has given me many signs that I am on the right path. I think one of the biggest hurdles has been finding the right balance between work and play. I tend to take on more than I can chew but it usually results in something positive. I thrive on learning and working outside of my comfort zone.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Hugo Perez Art – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
Hugo Perez Art is more than decoration for your walls, each painting has a story to tell and is heavily influenced by my cultural background. My family emigrated from El Salvador during the civil war and that notion of journey and change has been a common theme in many of my pieces.
Beyond the art, I still work take on design projects. I started a collective with a few designer friends called
Hyoo.co (sounds like hue) and we partner with organizations who are looking for strategic design solutions. I think it’s important to have businesses that support and promote the Latinx community. Many of our clients service the LGBTQIA+ community as well, I think inclusivity and diversity are important attributes especially in the current climate.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
I am working on a new series with an opening slated for September. The series is still in its infancy, but I am excited to be making a new collection of paintings.
Contact Info:
- Address: Studio 240, 1824 Spring Street
Houston, Texas 77007 - Website: hellohugo.net
- Phone: 832-578-4951
- Email: hugo@hyoo.co
- Instagram: hello_hugo
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hugomakesart
- Twitter: @hello_hugo
- Other: hyoo.co
Image Credit:
Hugo Perez
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