Artwork copyright Alfredo Arreguin. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission.

Artwork copyright Alfredo Arreguin. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission.

Artwork copyright Alfredo Arreguin. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission, by Stacey McRae.

Jungla Encantada, 1995

Alfredo Arreguin
(American, born 1935)

Location: Department of Ecology, Lacey

ABOUT THE ARTWORK

Jungla Encantada is part of artist Alfredo Arreguin's body of colorful and intricately patterned paintings. Of this piece, Arreguin notes "I have re-created the rich colors, teaming, and overwhelming presence of the tropical environment. Dense patterns reveal and conceal plant, animal, and human forms." When you look closely, the artwork's surface is also covered in detailed patterns.

This artwork was acquired for the State Art Collection in partnership with Department of Ecology.

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Seattle-based artist Alfredo Arreguin creates elaborate and colorful paintings that feature plants and animals. They are often covered with extremely detailed layers of patterns that can be seen best up close – Arreguin describes these layers as “lace-like screens.” He notes, "The magic of the jungle has had a strong influence on my work."
Arreguin was born in Morelia, Michoacan state, Mexico. He emigrated to the United States at age twenty-two to attend the University of Washington in Seattle. He was drafted into the U.S. Army and spent thirteen months in Korea. Arreguin earned his Bachelor of Arts and Master of Fine Arts (1969) degrees from the University of Washington. He was honored with a Washington State Governor's Arts and Heritage Award in 1986.