Beyond Art Gallery opening tonight, will reveal collection until April 21

HARLINGEN – A surrealist take on the cowboy tradition.

Huh?

Strange bedfellows, but in the world of Eric Ludlow, it all makes sense. In fact it makes so much sense, his new exhibit will open Friday night at Beyond Arts Gallery.

“We always want to see a little diversity in the work that we show here,” said Jessica Salazar McBride, director of the gallery at 114 North A St.

The exhibit, “eRic Luplow – Collision of Colors ‘Edgy – Figurative – Narrative – Sur-Folk’” will reveal a sampling of his imaginative collection until April 21.

“It’s really folk,” McBride said. “You see a lot of cowboys and cowgirls, and Day of the Dead as well.”

The bright colors of Luplow’s work invoke all sorts of reactions. The intense emotions of characters in awkward situations seem to scream at observers.

“Whee. Aaaargh. Ooops. Kerplunk.”

The very colors and shapes themselves conjure exaggerated sounds.

Not surprisingly, McBride says his work is “very quirky,” relaying a style distinctly his own.

Luplow, a New Mexico resident, has a familiar presence here. He created the popular mural “Dias de los Muertos” in Downtown Harlingen in 2008. He has also been honored with a One-Man Showing at The Harlingen Arts and Heritage Museum.

“We wanted to showcase his work here,” McBride said.

In his artist statement, Luplow refers to his work as “Sur-fok” in which surrealism and folk art combine. They burst “into a kaleidoscope of vivid colors, derived from the palette of the Southwestern skies.”

Luplow says drawing and painting have been his dearest things, his “best friends.”

“He believes a painting should have soul and he creates just that, in all of his work,” says the statement.

“His works range from the humor of the Texas dance hall to the Dias de los Murtos traditions. His paintings emerge alive with brilliant colors that run deep …”

The reception will take place Friday from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. It’s free and open to the public.