YOUNGSTOWN, OHIO .- The Butler Institute of American Art announces the exhibition of recent works by renowned artist, Mateo Blanco.

The exhibition runs September 29 through December 1 and showcases Blanco’s latest collection featuring several painted versions of the American flag. He explained the significance of these works of art:

“All of us have different colors inside or outside. We can change a color or a shape, but the magic and essence remain intact. It doesn’t matter what color or shape; it will always be recognizable. We have different colors of skin, hair, or even spirit, but all of us are Americans; the external differences hide what we are on the inside. I cherish my Colombian roots, but I love deeply my new homeland. It’s our differences what makes the United States so powerful, unique and rich. These paintings are my song to The Star Spangled Banner, and my personal homage to the American coat of arms above the bald eagle, E pluribus unum. Yes, all of us are one. Like the many versions of the American flag, we cannot change the essence: the elements, the symbol, and its unique beauty and power.”

The exhibition also includes a portrait of Blanco with former United States President, George H.W. Bush, a photo taken by First Lady Barbara Bush.

Mateo Blanco is known for his unusual materials to create his works of art, displayed in galleries all over the world. He has always been fascinated with the glamorous Hollywood stars and the heroic or funny characters in comics. “When creating their portraits, I don’t just think of how they look, but the deeper meaning, how people would feel when they see or purchase my art, as if they were part of a story,” said Blanco.

Mateo is Colombian-American and a resident of Florida for many years. His formal training began in Medellin, Colombia, under Debora Arango (1907-2005), the provocateuse painter and ceramist known for her politically charged portrayals and scandalous nude female figures.

Blanco studied at Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton, and two of his works are now in the permanent collection of the Boca Raton Museum of Art. He is a gifted artist with many talents besides painting, like goldsmith jeweler and opera singer. Several years ago, he sang during the celebration of President George H.W. Bush’s birthday.

To view Blanco’s art and other projects, visit https://www.artsy.net/artist/mateo blanco.

Blanco was born in Miami in 1981 and began his formal training in fine art in Medellin, Colombia, where he studied under Débora Arango Pérez, the artist immortalized on the country’s 2,000-peso bill. Blanco’s studies include goldsmithing and jewelry. He holds a B.A. from Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton, FL. Blanco is also a talented opera performer, who sang for President George H.W. Bush in 2003. Mateo Blanco is represented by the Rosembaum Contemporary gallery, located in Boca Raton and Palm Beach. For more information or inquiries, visit his Instagram @mateoblancoart.

For exhibition information, contact Susan Carfano, soozatbutler@gmail.com or (234-228-8588).