Fences | Artwork of Antonio Lechuga

It is with heavy hearts that we share this shocking news with you.  The Love Texas Art staff was informed that artist Antonio Lechuga was a victim of senseless gun violence and was shot while jogging on the evening of Friday, July 15 in Dallas. He was taken to the hospital and is currently receiving care for his injuries.  We are very thankful that he is alive, and our prayers are with him and his family at this time.

The exhibition was planned to close on Sunday, July 17. However, to honor Antonio during this trying time, we have decided to extend his exhibition through July 31.

With his family, we invite you to a fundraiser and support event for Antonio on Saturday, July 23, from 6-9pm. During the fundraiser Love Texas Art resident artist, Bernardo Vallarino, has offered to lead visitors in creating orange ribbons to wear to bring awareness to victims of gun violence, which heartbreakingly now includes Antonio Lechuga. The ribbons will be made from cobija material in honor of Antonio and his artwork.
RSVP to #SupportforAntonioLechuga

If you cannot attend the event, but still want to donate to support Antonio financially, please visit his GoFundMe page: 

Antonio Lechuga Go Fund Me

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Fences | Artwork of Antonio Lechuga

May 21 – July 31, 2022
***Exhibition extended through July 31***

Opening reception: Saturday, May 21, 2022 5-8pm

Located at 501 Houston Street, Fort Worth, Texas  76102

Love Texas Art is honored to present Fences, a solo exhibition of works by Dallas based artist, Antonio Lechuga from May 21 – July 31, 2022. The exhibition will be on display at the new Love Texas Art gallery located at 501 Houston Street, Fort Worth, Texas 76102, with an opening reception on Saturday, May 21, 2022 from 5-8pm. The opening reception coincides with gallery openings at Bale Creek Allen Gallery and Gang Good Candy in Sundance Square on May 21.

Fences by Antonio Lechuga showcases sculpture and paintings that depict the architectural fence pattern transforming and using the fence structure as a metaphor to discuss immigration issues along the Mexican American border. His vibrant and colorful new works reimagine the symbol of the fence, utilizing it in protest that focuses on unity and healing.  Lechuga wraps his latticework structures with vivid cobijas, enveloping the usually cold, unloved fences in warmth, comfort and security. In addition to the sculptures, Fences will include paintings that accompany and inform the large-scale three-dimensional works.

“Like any fence these simple architectural elements are used to divide space, and as a result, people, environment and create harsh borders. However, instead of monolithic, seemingly unapproachable walls these works are instead large, tall fences of softness. These structures of softness and color provide a sense of security, they offer warmth and they offer comfort. They offer these things in replacement of their opposites: Hard, cold structures used solely for division.“ – Antonio Lechuga

“Over the past 10 years, I have witnessed Lechuga’s art practice grow and develop. He is using his training and knowledge of architecture to create highly sophisticated, playful, meaningful work, and his move into sculpture with this series feels like a natural progression. Margery Gossett and I are honored to debut Antonio’s new series in Fort Worth at Love Texas Art.” – Ariel Davis, Owner, Love Texas Art

Love Texas Art will host an opening reception on Saturday, May 21, 2022, from 5-8pm. This reception will provide an opportunity for guests and patrons to meet and visit with the artist. The gallery requests that guests RSVP via Eventbrite. Social distancing and wearing masks inside the gallery is highly encouraged.

About Antonio Lechuga

Antonio Lechuga is a multidisciplinary artist who was born [1985] in and raised in the Oak Cliff neighborhood of Dallas, TX. Lechuga currently lives and works in Dallas, TX. He attended Southern California Institute of Architecture ( SCI-Arc ) in Los Angeles, CA. Primarily a painter, Lechuga started creating sculptural series in 2021.