 Born in Chihuahua, Chihuahua, Mexico, artist Magda Bowen became interested in art at a very early age. As a child she would spend long hours drawing, lost in a world of her own. In 1996 she discovered her passion for painting. One of her most favorite themes is Dia de los Muertos or Day of the Dead. Her vivid style of realism is seen in her loose, physical brushwork. Her bright bizarre colors and dramatic, fantastical images reflect an inspiration from native Mexican art.
Her fierce spirit and energy are captured in her intensely brilliant yellows, oranges, with greens, and chilling blues. Her paintings are a celebration of life and heritage. Artists Frida Kahlo, Diego Rivera, Vincent Van Gogh, and Paul Gauguin influence her. Her work is published in “Chicano Art For Our Millennium” 2004 and “Triumph Of Our Communities” 2005 Bilingual Press. She was also featured in New Mexico Magazine November 2009 issue. She attended college in Austin, Texas and earned a degree in Commercial Art. She resides in Houston, Texas and exhibits her work in Houston and the Southwest. “My paintings are a work in progress. As an artist, I feel my pieces are never finished. I always see flaws in my art. I stop working on a particular piece when I get a true feeling of accomplishment. I choose to display “my work in progress” as is, with all its defects. My art is an extension of who I am, so when I display my work I feel vulnerable. My favorite color is yellow, because it reminds me of sunshine, a smile or a warm hug. Most of my compositions include, cool colors which give a feel of somberness, but I balance them by adding yellow hues. I decided to carry Dia de los Muertos theme and design a children’s story. Being an illustrator, I created the art first then added the text later. “Bonita Goes to the Ball” is a Cinderella story with an ethnic twist. Bonita is a delightful pink skeleton searching for her independence. Gatuza the cat and Porfirio the mouse are her only true friends who are always by her side. Bonita Goes to the Ball is my first attempt as an author." www.createspace.com/3492747 |
EXHIBITS
2012: ARTOPIA, Houston, TX; a group exhibition by LAS CHINGONAS, Houston, TX. 2011: ChimMaya Gallery, LA, CA; Frida Fest, “Viva la Vida”, East End Studio, Houston, TX; Les Givral's Kahve, Houston, TX; Air Restaurant, Houston TX; Lucio's, Houston, TX; Watson Gallery, Houston, TX. 2010: Cafe Flores, Houston, TX; The Tipping Point, Houston, TX; Betz Gallery, Houston, TX; The Boheme, Houston, TX. 2009: Anima Gallery, “Skulls & Hats”, Silver City, NM. 2007: Masks Y Mas Art Gallery “Huesos”, Albuquerque, NM 2006: Bath House Cultural Center, “El Corazón”, Dallas, TX; Canvas Gallery, “Sensuality”, Dallas, TX; Ice House Cultural Center, “Dia de los Muertos”, Dallas, TX; Bath House Cultural Center, “La Calabera”, Dallas, TX. 2005: Bath House Cultural Center, “El Corazón”, Dallas, TX; Ice House Cultural Center, “The Forgotten Flower”, Three Women Show, Dallas, TX. 2004: Bath House Cultural Center, “El Corazón” Annual Exhibit, Dallas, TX; Bath House Cultural Center, “Spring Art Festival”, Dallas, TX; La Peña Gallery, “Human Nature”, One Woman Show, Austin, TX; Gallista Gallery, “My People”, One Woman Show, San Antonio, TX; Ice House Cultural Center, “La Virgen Guadalupe Art Exhibit”, Dallas, TX. 2003: Gallista Gallery, “Blooming”, San Antonio, TX; Gallista Gallery, “Puro Gallo Art Exhibit”, San Antonio, TX; Ice House Cultural Center, “La Causa”, Dallas, TX; Fort Worth Community Art Center, “Cinco de Mayo Latino Art Exhibit”, Fort Worth, TX; Fort Worth Museum of Science and History, “Hispanic Heritage Day”, Fort Worth, TX; Fort Worth Community Art Center, “Fall Art Exhibit”, Dallas, TX; Ice House Cultural Center, “Day of the Dead Exhibit”, Dallas, TX; Ice House Cultural Center, “La Virgen de Guadalupe Art Exhibit”, Dallas, TX. 2002: KNLR Television Art Auction, San Antonio, TX; Gallista Gallery, “Del Corazon”, San Antonio, TX. KNLR Television Art Auction, San Antonio, TX; La Villita “Starving Artist Show”, San Antonio, TX. 1999: Centro Aztlan, San Antonio, TX.1998: The Business of Art Center, Colorado Springs, CO. 1997: Manitou Bakery, Manitou Springs, CO; The Warehouse Gallery, Colorado Springs, CO; The Business of Art Center, Colorado Springs, CO. |
