O
ne of the founding forces behind the “Pattern Painting” movement, Arreguin’s work challenges the eyes. It draws you in and
forces you to dive through layer after layer of pigment and motion. In what can first appear to be a cacophonic explosion of color and
figures, his art, upon further study reveals an incredibly cohesive and joyous celebration of life, love, and spirit.
Arreguin himself, now eighty-five, is a kind man — a down-to-earth nature lover, and charming storyteller. Open and honest about his
struggles, his inspiration, and his passion for people and life, his exuberance is heart-warming.
At the outset of our interview, he warned me that he liked to talk and I may have to tell him to “shut up.” While it was certainly true he
is the talkative type, I found myself reluctant to break into his flowing anecdotes so full of self-deprecating humor, hard-won wisdom
and an overarching theme of gratitude. It was an interview I’ll always remember, and yes, be grateful for.
M.J.: Mr. Arreguin, on your website, there’s a link to a podcast. In it you said your grandfather got you into your first art
school in your hometown of Morelia, Mexico.
10 ART CHOWDER MAGAZINE