DC artist’s portrait of Archbishop Romero heads to Rome
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Interview with Luis Del Valle Peralta
“I never considered myself a portrait artist but lately portraits are all I’ve been painting…There is nothing better than capturing the essence of a person.”
Local artist Luis Del Valle Peralta’s latest work is the portrait (pictured on the left) of Óscar Arnulfo Romero, the legendary Archbishop of San Salvador, who stood up to El Salvador’s brutal military junta at the start of the U.S.-backed civil war and was assassinated in 1980 while celebrating mass. Later this month, Romero will be beatified (a key step toward sainthood) at the Vatican in Rome, where Del Valle’s portrait is also headed.
We interviewed Del Valle about his journey from teenaged graffiti muralist to portrait painter, and how Romero’s legacy inspired his latest work.
Luis, you just received a new award, tell us some of the details?
I’m very excited to receive this award. Prince Lorenzo Maria De Medici of Italy presented it to me along with the National Museum of Catholic Art and Library Portrait Award for my portrait of Pope Francis. That award led to my commission for the portrait of Archbishop Romero.
As a graffiti artist, portraits are difficult to do especially of a renowned figure, one of the most beloved. I had to get it right. And it was a great honor for me to be awarded for my portrait of the Pope. I never considered myself a portrait artist but lately portraits are all I’ve been painting. I’m really having fun with it. There is nothing better than capturing the essence of a person.
What was the inspiration for the Portrait of the Archbishop?
I was commissioned by Christina Cox and the National Museum of Catholic Art and Library in honor of the Canonization of Archbishop Oscar Romero. That was motivation enough but the story of his life and legacy is really what compelled me. He was a true defender of the faith. He spoke out against poverty, social injustice, assassinations, and torture. In 1980, after attending an Opus Dei recollection, Oscar Romero was assassinated while offering mass. Look him up, his life is a great read!
How long did the portrait take you?
It was about a month and a half ago that I was contacted by Christina Cox, founder of the National Museum. She made me aware of the cause for Archbishop Romero’s sainthood. I could not pass this opportunity. I wanted to start painting right away but it took several weeks before my brush hit the canvas. I was nervous because my deadline was soon approaching and I had nothing. Once I got started I couldn’t put the brushes down and finished the painting within a week. Once I finish a painting I continue to work on it until it leaves my studio. It’s like they are not done until they are out of my hands.
Painting a Historical figure is more complicated than painting from imagination. What was the process?
Research with photos, videos and a written biography are always my first steps. It amazed me that for a guy that touched so many, there were so few images of him. None that fit the vision that I had in mind after reading about him. So I had to find a model for the composition. I used a head shot and Fray Manuel Aviles standing in for him. I figured: who better to pose as the Archbishop than Fray Manuel since he’s also Salvadorian and soon to be a priest. Fray Manuel knew so much about him and was as enthusiastic as I was about this project. He did several different poses but the one of him blessing the people made the most sense for this portrait. He and I were honored to play vital roles in commemorating Archbishop Oscar Romero.
Will you be exhibiting the painting, where?
The next time that it will be exhibited will be in Rome. One thing about being an artist is that I don’t get to enjoy my painting as long as I would like to. Every time I paint it’s like the brush strokes are unveiling an image that is already there, covered by the white canvas. I’m just discovering it. So I do plan to do a second painting to continue discovering and telling more of his story here.
What is next for you, any exhibits coming up soon?
My next show is entitled “My Home is a Museum” is a private exhibition that allows art collectors and curators to view my work before they go to galleries and museums. Among the works on display will be my “Trouble Makers” series that consists of portraits of historical figures who fought for freedom and against hatred and inequality—Caesar Chavez, Nelson Mandela, and Martin Luther King Jr., to name a few. I’m also working on three murals and 32 graphic designs for the renovated Theodore Roosevelt High School here in D.C.
To see more of my work please check out my site www.luisperaltagallery.com
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