Paintings and Prints of Life in Honduras

Honduran-born artist Juan E. Hernandez G. recreates everyday life in his homeland in the paintings and prints that make up "Tierra y Memoria," on view in The Art League Gallery through November 5. But depicting people — working, eating, waiting — wasn't his only purpose.

“My goal is not so much to make a representation of these scenes and their protagonists, but to express something about their human condition and the nature of their lives," Hernandez said. “These pieces are filled with my deep feelings for these people who are part of a country that faces many social, economic, and political challenges.”

Hernandez was born and raised in Flor del Campo, a suburb of the Honduran capital, Tegucigalpa. He came to Washington, DC after finishing his studies at the National School of Fine Arts in Honduras in 2006.

Hernandez's skill and empathy as an artist create a powerful mood with simple scenes, which show women making and selling tortillas, a boy sitting on his cart, and late-night diners at a food stall. (See the image gallery for other examples.)

The Art League Gallery is on the first floor of the Torpedo Factory Art Center, 105 N. Union St. in Old Town Alexandria. The opening reception for "Tierra y Memoria" is Thursday, October 11, at 6:30 pm.