Hispanic Pride, 2011, Acrylic on canvas, 24" x 32" (Collection of the artist).

José Acosta's Hispanic Pride is a vivacious and spectacular image, representing an aquatic scene inhabited by a euphoric Latino couple filled with palpable exhilaration, hope, and optimism. Within a Florida-esque tropical seascape, lively crowned lovers dance upon a banner that proclaims: "Orgullo Hispano (Hispanic Pride)." By means of his vibrant Van Gogh-like virtuoso-style and expressionistic-method, Acosta melds thick swirling emotive applications of bright pigment that reveal unexpected magical things, e.g., an island with a Valentine heart, assorted fish, daemons, red-triangular shapes, and other things. Acosta fuses all of this effulgent vitality together through his playful and delightful Chagall-like imaginative whimsy.

In terms of the Latino people's vast capacity for enjoyment and fun, when describing Hispanic Pride, Acosta declared, "I wanted to create a painting that would express the positive feelings that I have about being Hispanic. Our heritage is full of music, dance and celebration and that is what I wanted to express in Hispanic Pride. Basically, my life has been full of fun and joy, because I have been able to fully enjoy the arts and the traditions of our Hispanic Heritage."

For more information about José Acosta