Quantum Cipher Sphere (2001)
Oil on Canvas
Antonio Arellanes (1957–2008)
Taos
Gift of Dudley D. McDaniel
Capitol Art Collection
Capitol Art Foundation
Antonio Arellanes devoted his life as an artist to exploring the three basic constructions of reality: space, time, and light. He studied at the Chicago Art Institute and began his artistic career investigating the nature of light. Working first primarily with black brush strokes, he created a series of dark paintings into which he gradually introduced color. Arellanes developed a unique painting genre that utilizes paint and high-tech materials, like reflective and holographic Mylar, resulting in highly luminescent surfaces complemented by the use of sacred and geometric images, especially the circle and mandala. Considered a master illuminist and visionary artist by many, he leaves a body of work exhibited widely in public and private collections throughout the United States, especially California and New Mexico.
