THIS IS KIKI VALDES

Miami artist. Cartoonist at heart, painter by reputation. 
@kikivaldes
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Local Crit - Wed, Nov. 27th 2013 Local Crit - Wed, Nov. 27th 2013
KIKI VALDES - HERRADURA ART BARREL 

Leveraging its long established art platform in Mexico, Tequila Herradura will be sharing their history, heritage and passion for crafting quality tequila with art aficionados nationwide through the Herradura Barrel Art Program.


For our Tequila, the oak barrel is the final stage in our creative process, the aging period where each handcrafted batch develops its individual character. For 80 professional and emerging artists, these same barrels will serve as departure point for the creation of a unique work of art.


We know how to craft great tequila—the finest in the world. We have selected great artists to make great art. We understand that to create something interesting you need freedom, so we only made one rule: the artists have to use the barrel. How they use it is entirely up to them

KIKI VALDES - ARTIST STATEMENT 
FOR BARREL PROJECT 
"Amigos de Herradura
2013 - (Oil paint on tequila barrel)
 
For me it was important to display the wonderful and original shape of the barrel. I challenged myself into making a 365 degree angle painting on the surface. By doing this, there is no front and no back to the art piece. The painting and imagery is a testament of where I am at as an artist. In the same way I did not take apart the barrel, I did not chip away at the direction of my work. The barrel and the art are united as one without compromising each other. There is a long history of how the tequila is made, there is a history to my life and how I make my work. This is truly what my art barrel is about. I wanted to show enjoyment and togetherness with the abstract figures and colors, just as Herradura and I are coming together with support and friendship
All photos are works in progress. The finished piece will be presented on Nov. 12th in South Beach.