Collaborating for the first time in a comprehensive exhibition of work are artists Noe Perez and Jason Scull, who have frequently shown together in various group shows and events for nearly 40 years. The exhibition, A South Texas Aesthetic, is presented by the Museum of Western Art and features 20-plus works highlighting the artists’ “shared passion for ranch country and the people of South Texas,” says museum executive director Darrell Beauchamp.
Jason Scull, Wild Cows & Wilder Men, bronze, ed. of 18, horsemen: 16½ x 22 x 6 in.; and cow and calf: 10½ x 22 x 6 in.
“Jason and I have been friends for many years,” Perez says. “He is primarily a figural sculptor, and I paint the landscape. However, his favorite subjects come from right here in the South Texas Brush Country. It is like you could set any of his sculptures in one of my landscapes. On a larger scale, I think that we both portray our subjects as honestly as we can. Knowing that the beauty of this area is found in its honest portrayal.”
Perez grew up in South Texas and currently lives in Corpus Christi. His inspiration is what he sees all around him every day. “I try and find beauty and worthy subjects in what most people would consider very boring, flat brush country,” he adds. “A good work of art is about the work of art; the subject is just the vehicle for how the work is executed.”
Jason Scull, Coolin’ His Back, bronze, 13 x 16 x 7 in.
Perez’s painting Cactus Bouquet, depicts one of the artist’s favorite subjects, the blooming cactus. “I think this is different in that I have eliminated most of the reference to the landscape,” the artist shares. “There is no horizon visible. Also, it was a challenge to show an overcast, or gray, day. Most of my paintings are shown in the bright South Texas sun.” We see the horizon show up in Perez’s piece Near Falfurrias, showing a stunning view of blue bonnets.
Scull also has roots in South Texas, having grown up in a ranching family, and now lives in Kerrville with his wife. “I have always had a deep interest in the horse and cow culture surrounding ranching,” the artist explains. “Most of my work is a reflection of my interest in South Texas, and the people and animals that have made that region unique.”
Noe Perez, Cactus Bouquet, oil, 30 x 40 in.
This is found in bronze pieces like Wild Cows & Wilder Men. “The title sums up the tough people and livestock that populate South Texas, the leather-tough vaquero and the brush-wise cattle,” says Scull. “This sculpture is presented in two pieces, each created in a manner that they could stand alone, but together, they work as a complete composition. I like the idea of displaying this piece in a person’s home in a flexible way. The brush hand is in pursuit and with a loop built and ready, but not yet ready to swing his reata. The cow and calf are stretched out in search of safe haven in the dense brush of the Brasada Ranch.”
Also included in the exhibition is Scull’s Coolin’ His Back, showing a vaquero of the Brush Country taking time to lift the saddle from his horses back to offer a respite from the heat of the day before resuming their labors.
Noe Perez, Near Falfurrias, oil, 16 x 24 in.
For more inspiring depictions of Brush Country, head to the Museum of Western Art starting November 15. A ticketed opening reception will take place from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. The exhibition closes on January 11, 2025. —
A South Texas Aesthetic: Paintings and Sculptures by Noe Perez and Jason Scull
Nov. 15, 2024-Jan. 11, 2025
Museum of Western Art
1550 Bandera Highway Kerrville, TX 78028
(830) 896-2553, www.museumofwesternart.com
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