Donald Mota
Long Beach, CA
Donald Mota is a mixed-media artist based in Long Beach, California. As a first-generation Portuguese-American, Mota's work navigates the crossroads and the merging of two rich cultures while exploring themes of identity, belonging, cultural hybridity, and heritage. He creates pieces that resonate with a sense of duality while weaving elements from both cultures.
Mota pays homage to the Portuguese traditions that shaped his upbringing while using art as a bridge between the old world and the new. Through the use of traditional colors, patterns, and symbolic references of Portuguese culture, Mota's work is infused with the spirit of his heritage creating a visual tapestry that speaks to the depth of his roots.
The fusion of Portuguese and American influences is expressed through his choice of materials, techniques, and subject matter. His experimental spirit incorporates a diverse range of substrates such as found objects, textiles, digital elements, acrylic, oil and watercolor paints. This approach incorporates layers of meaning while inviting viewers to engage with the layered and textured quality of each piece.
Mota's art is as much a reflection of his heritage as it is a personal narrative that speaks to the immigrant experience. His journey as a first-generation artist is a testament to the transformative potential of art in navigating the complexities of cultural identity.
Fado: Mixed Media watercolor, oil, charcoal, on hand stretched canvas and hand made frame 36" x 48"
Fadista: Illustration on mixed found media 36" x 36"
Chris Forcado: Mixed media watercolor, oil, acrylic, pen and ink and found items on hand stretched canvas 60" x 48"
Guitarra: Hand-cut pieces of found paper molded together lifesize guitar and carrying case
Saudade: Mixed media, hand illustration, oil, acrylic, paper, pen and ink, yarn found objects on canvas 18" x 24"
This continued series is called: Saudade and it pays tribute to those who have an unexplainable yearning.
GFALA Forcados: Watercolor, acrylic on canvas 36"x 48"
Frank Forcado: Watercolor, acrylic, oil on stretched canvas 24" x 36"
Azulejos: Mixed media and illustration on found materials in hand made wood frame 24"x 30"
Gallo: Mixed media, pen and ink, acrylic, oil, watercolor and found objects on canvas 24" x 36"
Forca Nuno: Digital Illustration