Angel Souto: Morriña, Echoes of Galicia
Evercore Artist Empowerment Award 2024

Aurora Ad Mare, 2023; Oil on canvas, 36 x 36 inches.

Morriña – Echoes of Galicia is a solo exhibition by Angel Souto, presented at Evercore’s New York City offices.

Excerpt from Souto’ artist statement:

“My current work revolves around an ethnographic exploration of the culture of Galicia, situated in northwest Spain. Galicia has an extraordinary and unique blend of Hispanic and Celtic heritage. The region serves as a backdrop upon which I delve into untold narratives of rural life, inequality, emigration, music, folk traditions, pilgrimage, and the inherent beauty of nature. Through my paintings, I strive to give voice to these marginalized narratives, shedding light upon often overlooked aspects of Galician history and cultural heritage…

My ultimate goal lies in evoking a sense of wonder and introspection within the viewer, inspiring them to perceive the world through a renewed lens. I firmly believe that art possesses the unique power to transcend language and cultural barriers, fostering empathy and deep understanding. Through the visual language I have crafted, I aspire to construct a bridge that connects disparate perspectives, enabling viewers to forge a profound connection with the captivating stories and rural traditions emanating from the Hispanic and Celtic traditions of Galicia.”

For inquiries, please email info@cueartfoundation.org.


About the Artist

Angel Souto is a contemporary painter originally from Galicia, Spain who immigrated to the United States as a teenager and now resides in New York. Souto’s self-taught practice spans various forms, styles, and mediums, from traditional to digital. 

As a senior director at a branding firm, he utilized his adaptability and eye for detail in his practice to design and illustrate for Fortune 500 companies and brands across the US. After 25 years in the industry, Souto made the transition to become a full-time artist, fully committing to his practice. He has since been developing his style and merging his wide range of skills and interests. His inspiration is derived from his love for nature and his background and heritage. 

Souto’s engagement with line and form is distinctive to his style, and is complemented by a focus on finding an asymmetric balance that interweaves intricate designs. His work has been exhibited in private collections and museums across Spain and increasingly to wider audiences in the US.


Images


Catalogue


About the Evercore Artist Empowerment Award

The Evercore Artist Empowerment Award is an opportunity that seeks to recognize and support artists at a critical point in their careers. Each six-month engagement at Evercore’s New York City offices provides a platform for artists to present a solo exhibition of their work, and in turn creates an unparalleled opportunity for the Evercore community to experience and engage with contemporary art.

Applications for the Evercore Artist Empowerment Award are accepted annually via an opt-in option on CUE’s Open Call for Solo Exhibitions.

The Evercore Artist Empowerment Award is an opportunity for artists who:

  • Have not had a solo show in a commercial NYC gallery within the last five years

  • Do not have current, consistent commercial gallery representation in the United States

  • Are not currently enrolled in a degree program

  • Have a demonstrated, consistent studio practice outside an academic setting for three or more years

  • Currently live and work in the United States


Past Artist Empowerment Award Recipients


Support

Programmatic support for CUE Art Foundation is provided by Evercore, Inc; The Milton and Sally Avery Arts Foundation; The William Talbott Hillman Foundation; and Corina Larkin & Nigel Dawn. Programs are also supported, in part, by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs, in partnership with the City Council; the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Kathy Hochul and the New York State Legislature; and the National Endowment for the Arts.

The Artist Empowerment Award was initiated by Corina Larkin, former Executive Director of CUE Art Foundation.