Shrugging his shoulders to a waterfall of compliments, a rising artist expands his recognition by receiving an invitation to exhibit his art in a whole new realm of spectators.
OC student and professional artist, Urian (Rhandum) Muro displayed his artwork at “Only Graphite,” an art exhibit curated by Douglas Orr at Gallery Expo in Long Beach on Oct. 1 as part of Global October Art Month. The show had over 1,000 visitors and was well received by the community.
Muro has displayed his art in Oxnard, Ventura, Camarillo and Santa Barbara, but this was his first art show outside of Santa Barbara and Ventura County.
“Honestly for me, art is a love-hate relationship,” said Muro. “Sometimes I create pieces and I feel like I’m going to die from an overdose of satisfaction. And at other times I create garbage and feel like I shouldn’t be privileged to be called an ‘Artist.'”
Muro began his artistic career at a very young age. He never thought he had a gift until he learned to manipulate the various mediums that come with creating art. From the beginning stages of drawing with pencil to the more advanced stages of sculpting and painting, Muro has learned to use his imagination in ways he never thought possible.
But even a talented and meticulous artist like Muro can bear faith in an artist other than himself. He is inspired by Antonio Pelayo, a 37-year-old Mexican graphite artist that hails from Glendale.
“When I first met Urian, I was also starting out myself,” explained Pelayo. “I know that he has the ability to a great artist. I am glad that I can inspire someone like him and that my work has an impact on other artists.”
There are many art students at OC that stand out, but Muro takes the toll in the running. Several of his peers, colleagues and professors admire his work, his humility and desire to be better every day.
“I love his art. I can see the quality and detail that he puts in his work,” said Orr. “His art makes a statement and that is why he was invited to display his artwork in our gallery.”
Muro’s art has been described as intense, surreal, elaborate and thought provoking. He explains his technical and personal process in many ways although it all comes down to emotional imagination.
“Art in his mind is like traveling somewhere and not remembering how you got there,” exclaimed Muro. “All you know is that whatever you were thinking of was significantly more important than anything else around you.”
At the “Only Graphite” show, many guests stopped to admire Muro’s “Vito Corleone” graphite sketch marked at $1,000. Michael Ruiz, a Long Beach resident was one of the many enthusiasts at the event.
“This particular piece is awesome. It just caught my attention as I walked by,” explained Ruiz. “The detail in incredible and that’s why it makes you look twice. Overall, it was really well done.”
Muro has this to say to other young, up and coming artist from any genre.
“Express yourself through your work by any means necessary,” said Muro. “Just lose yourself in your own reality and don’t comeback. Once you learn to do that, everything else falls into place.”
More of his artwork will be showcased on Oct. 30 at “Café on A” in Oxnard from 5 p.m. – 10 p.m. in celebration of “The Day of the Dead.”
Urian Muro stands next to his mentor Antonio Pelayo who also displayed his graphite art (Photo by Monica Valencia)
Crystal Gonzalez takes a moment to take in Urian Muro’s art (Photo by Monica Valencia )
Urian Muro’s graphite art titled “Vito Corleone,” which was priced at $1000 (Photo courtesy of Urian Muro)
