KEEN & DARING
the daring do.
artist profile
VICTOR HUGO ZAYAS | THE MOVEMENT SERIES MOVES INWARD
When surveying the works of painter/sculptor Victor Hugo Zayas, there are two defining connections among them: space and movement. Space as defined by the physical properties of height, width, and depth, as well as the theoretical ideas of space, outlined by the writings of astronomers as far back as ancient Mesopotamia (1000 BCE). For the whole of Victor Hugo Zayas’ creative life, he has been looking to the stars for guidance, drawn to the works of Carl Sagan, Immanuel Kant, and Isaac Newton to provide defining clues as to what we as humans possess as creatures who perceive, both inwardly and outwardly. As for movement, Victor Hugo explains, that it is an all-encompassing awareness that never leaves him, that we are constantly in motion, all bodies are in movement, both biological and heavenly.
This site is both archive and resource for the writing, design, and curatorial projects that have emerged through living a life of art. Much of the work gathered here is inherently collective, shaped by conversation, shared ideas, long-standing friendships, and the generosity of a worldwide community of creative individuals. It is inspired by the belief that creativity is a form of bravery (daring). That aesthetics are at the core of the human experience (keen).
By maintaining a public archive of these collaborations, I hope to recognize and celebrate the power of creative mutual aid: the often-unseen network of encouragement, knowledge, labor, trust, and exchange that enables meaningful cultural work to take shape. The site exists somewhere between portfolio, archive, notebook, and publication. It is not quite a magazine, although it occasionally behaves like one; not quite an institutional archive, though preservation is central to its purpose. Instead, it is an evolving record of shared creative life and a place to acknowledge the people, ideas, and collaborations that continue to inform my professional and personal life.
I am a second-generation arts and culture writer with more than 20 years of experience working as a gallery director, curator, and creative marketing consultant. For 15+ years, I have served as Director of saltfineart, a fine art gallery based in Southern California. My lifelong experience has given me an in-depth understanding of art marketing, artist advocacy, audience engagement, and the importance of building meaningful relationships. I have been particularly drawn to the ways in which art can create connections, shape cultural conversations, and foster collaboration that span disciplines and communities.
Recently, I earned an MS in Clinical Psychology, allowing me to further pursue my longstanding interest in mental health and human behavior. My work as a counselor increasingly informs my writing on art and music, particularly my interest in creativity as a means of identity, resilience, communication, and social connection. I approach cultural writing through both a curatorial and human-centered lens, exploring not only how the work is made and experienced, but also the personal and social forces that give it meaning.