Several of ProyectArte’s recent graduates are embarking on promising careers in the art world. A good example is the case of Juan Balza, ProyectArte Class of 2005, who began at ProyectArte in 2004 at the age of 17.
After graduating from ProyectArte, Juan began working in the Buenos Aires studio of renowned Argentine Painter Ricardo Roux, whom he met when Roux gave a talk to ProyectArte students in 2005 as part of our visiting artists lecture series. Balza’s talent and energy drew the eye of 60-year-old Roux, who offered Balza the opportunity to work as an assistant in his sprawling Buenos Aires studio.
Subsequently, Balza participated in several group shows, and in 2006 was a finalist in the prestigious Platt Prize, one of Argentina’s most important arts competitions, in which he was once again recently selected as a finalist for 2007. Balza, now 22 years old, recently had his first solo show at Isidro Miranda gallery in the San Telmo neighborhood of Buenos Aires. In addition to an exclusive Argentina representation by Isidro Miranda, Juan has just started working as a studio assistant for renowned Argentine painter Pérez Celis. Additionally, Juan was recently hired as a faculty assistant at the ProyectArte School, giving him the opportunity to share what he has learned at ProyectArte and serving as an inspiring role model for current students. Plans for a New York show of Balza’s work during 2008 are underway; look for an announcement in the coming months.
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