Carl Lopes’ paintings are a respectful nod to centuries of influential Cape Verdean/African design and tradition. Colors, patterns and compositions pay tribute to his ancestral heritages and cultures, yet maintain a direct contemporary vibe. Masks, portraits, birds, and fish are embellished with geometric motifs and designs that are visually striking. Airbrushed acrylics, holographic papers, glass beads, and jewelry are attached to wood panels and coated with high gloss poly-resin. His paintings appear as if they are stained glass and lit from behind.
Carl is a third generation Cape Verdean American who grew up in New Bedford/Fairhaven. He is a career artist and retired art educator who now devotes full time to his studio work and business. He received his Master of Fine Arts advanced degree in painting from Pratt Institute and has consistently shown his work in exhibitions across New England for the past 45 years. Carl’s recent solo exhibits were hosted by the Zion Union Heritage Museum (celebrating Cape Verdeans and other people of color), the Cotuit Center for the Arts and the Cape Cod Museum of Art. His work is in the permanent collection of the Cahoon Museum of American Art, the Cape Cod Museum of Art, many restaurants, business offices, and private homes. He is currently represented by Sher Gallery in Miami and Creative Hands Gallery in Osterville.
Carl is on the Board of Directors of the Arts Foundation of Cape Cod, Cultural Center of Cape Cod, Cotuit Center for the Arts, and the Zion Union Heritage Museum, where he is a resident artist and lecturer on Cape Verdean culture.
Website
https://carllopes.com/
