Metaphrase: This Isn't Wonderland - A Solo Exhibition by David D. Oquendo

This past Saturday, September 2nd, David D. Oquendo transformed Henao Contemporary Center into a beautiful Arabic and Hebrew-inspired calligraphy haven with the opening of his solo exhibition entitled “Metaphrase: This Isn’t Wonderland.” With a variety of indoor murals and large scale mixed media paintings, David was able to convert the Orlando art space into a world of his own. With gold painted quotes, poems, and statements on top of black canvases, David’s unique art style touched each wall that the art center provided. With the canvases being hung up in front of walls that David also painted with his unique alphabet - even the bathrooms walls - it was seemingly impossible to miss David incredible artistry and dedication to his craft while attending this very personal exhibition.

The conception of this series is so personal to David because he was diagnosed with a learning disability. His learning disability caused him to have difficulties with speech, comprehension, writing and translation - which was exceptionally hard since David is originally from Puerto Rico and his first language was spanish. This caused David to find other ways to communicate and express himself - which ultimately wound up being with his art. “Much of communication was via art. I didn't speak at all,” said the New Jersey native. “I went to so many different classes; Speech Therapy, ESL, Special Ed. classes too. I learned to draw images before I learned to write.” While a learning disability as such be daunting for a person to deal with at such a young age, it did not stop him from succeeding in academics and his artistry.

From a young age, the motivation of his teachers and his mother allowed him to realize that he should follow a path in the arts. “It wasn't until age 11 or 12 where teachers would tell me I should pursue a college degree in the fine arts - and that being an artist, with lots of work, is a legitimate career path,” says Oquendo. David also admits that while his teachers did help him to realize that a degree in the arts was plausible, his mother has and will always be his first motivation. “She never discouraged me when I drew or colored; she actually would push me to draw better,” says David. I'd draw Spider-Man, Bugs Bunny or some cartoon and she'd say, ‘Wow that's good. Now do it again, do another one.’ She always wanted me to do better.” David did get better. With a Miinor in Art History, BFA in Painting from Rutgers University, MFA in Painting from Montclair State, and his artwork being shown in New Jersey, New York, United Kingdom, and now in Florida - David has been able to live with his learning disability and create an illustrious life for himself.

After “Metaphrase,” David plans to keep creating and pushing the boundaries of his artistry. “I hope to go two separate directions,” Says Oquendo. “I'd like to get into textiles and pattern making with clothing. The other direction is 3D forms of the Metaphrase alphabet. Of course murals and large paintings are my bread and butter, I'll always do it. But I hope to venture and allow myself to be uncomfortable and try new things.” Be sure to check out David D. Oquendo’s solo showcase from now until September 24th at the Henao Contemporary Center in Orlando, Florida. If you can’t make it to the show in person, you can also check out footage from the exhibition here.