Interview with Painter David Berkowitz Chicago

Born on January 30, 1943 in Aurora, artist David Berkowitz Chicago is a clear example that the one thing our country has in abundance, is talent. David showed deep interest in art at a very young age. But his real passion was born when he was 26 years old. At the age of 27 he won the Zanies art contest in Chicago, and since then he has exhibited his work in different places, both domestically and internationally, including the UNO gallery in Toronto and the Aldo Castillo Gallery in Chicago.

With great kindness, the artist cleared his schedule in order to answer some of our questions regarding his work and his interests.

What was your first approach to visual art?

David Berkowitz Chicago: I come from a family of landscape artists, and from an early age the environment favored my approach to arts. It was my father, also a landscape artist, who encouraged me to continue the tradition, directing some of my first works.

What are you trying to convey through your work?

David Berkowitz Chicago: Through my works I showcase the world as I have perceived in my childhood. From my point of view, there is always color and joy. At the moment of expressing my ideas on canvas, I transmit my own emotions and sensations. My context is formed by a balance of peace and clarity, in this way my works have the certainty of being authentic and unrepeatable. I think that my most sincere means of expression is the search and not the improvement; it is the search that leads me to deepen my passion.

Why do you paint landscapes?

David Berkowitz Chicago: Landscapes are part of my essence. I grew up in an environment filled with art landscapes made by my grandfather, and by my father. They have been an example to follow and I will continue to paint these themes, representing the art of three generations.

Describe your style in three words.

David Berkowitz Chicago: Vital, psychic and spontaneous.

Which artists do you consider your biggest influences?

David Berkowitz Chicago: At the beginning of my career, as I mentioned, my father and my grandfather. Later William Turner, Claude Monet and Salvador Dali.

What are your views on contemporary art in our country? Do you think there is enough support from the authorities when it comes to new talents?

David Berkowitz Chicago: Technology has given art new raw materials, new ways of creating and therefore new advances. Nowadays art is closer to people, since they can access exhibitions, museums, artists and galleries through social networks. It is a great advantage.

The governmental support has improved, but it is necessary to continue working together. For governments, art should be a priority, training and supporting new talents, creating schools dedicated to art as a profession, scholarship programs and more cultural spaces.

Tell us something about your upcoming exhibitions.

David Berkowitz Chicago: For me it is very important to keep my current and updated work on the big stages, with the intention of projecting it and bringing it closer to the new generations. This March, we are planning to exhibit at the Courdourier Gallery and Plaza Loreto of Mexico City. Later, in September 2019, the city of Chicago will be the home of my individual exhibition, since my work has received great admiration and acceptance in this place.