Picture This Gallery is currently hosting “Casualties of War,” an exhibit that features a series of paintings by artists Arturo Sandoval Diaz and David Arthur Martinez.
Martinez said the idea for the paintings came in 2004 with the first work, entitled “1023 Dead and Counting,” which was painted for a Dia De Los Muertos celebration. “My goal with that work and subsequent ones was to hopefully have the viewer reflect on the loss and cost of war,” he said. “If the viewer has lost someone, then I hope they view it as a tribute to the sacrifice made by their loved one.”
An artist reception took place on September 27, at which time letters and prayers for the troops were collected. “Casualties of War” runs through Saturday, October 18.
“For me war brings only death and destruction,” Martinez said. “The only admiration and respect I have is for the men and women that serve their country. And it is those that make that ultimate sacrifice that these paintings are dedicated.”
Picture This Gallery is located at 4130 Norse Way in Long Beach. For more information, go to www.picturethisgallery.weebly.com.
