Long hidden away, the work of Cuenca artist Oswaldo Moreno is on public display again

By Stephen Vargha

Hidden for a quarter of a century, artwork by famous Cuenca artist Oswaldo Moreno Heredia is now in public view.

Artwork by various generations of the Moreno family, including by Gustavo López Moreno, awaits to be displayed at Casa Aurora.

“A great art collector and rich man in Cuenca bought Moren’s collection. He and his wife kept it private as they were low key,” said Christian López. “The owner had over 9,000 pieces of art, including a Picasso.”

López, 44 years old, is director and curator of Casa Aurora, an up-and-coming private arts venue, gallery, and museum.

Late last year, López approached the widow, who was in possession of many of Moreno’s art pieces.

“I asked her if I could display Moreno’s art before it returns to the Museum of Modern Art (Museo Municipal de Arte Moderno),” said López. “It will be on display here until the end of March.”

Some collages of Oswaldo have their own special room, including this one on the second floor of Casa Aurora.

Moreno was born in Cuenca in 1929.  He was a descendant of a well-known family of Cuencano writers and painters.

Between 1945 and 1949 he studied painting in his hometown.

Moreno painted colorful watercolors of great synthesis. He began with landscapes and then moved to a more abstract and personal style.

In 1955 and 1956, Moreno spent time in the Galápagos Islands, where he made numerous paintings.

At that time, he described the landscape of the Galápagos as, “Man is a stranger; He is not there in his element. The Galápagos is the Enchanted land, the land of fairies and goblins.”

That is seen in all of his Galápagos paintings, in which life emerges from the sky and the sea, and from the rocks and the beaches of the islands.

“La Noche Del Grillo” (Christian López is not quite sure what the meaning of the title is for the beautiful collage).

“From the virginal silence and invulnerable solitude, there is a breath of mystery and spell, an extra natural and haunted air. The air of enchantment of the Enchanted Archipelago. That air that fills our soul with secret restlessness and dark fear in our heart,” Diego Perez said of Moreno’s paintings of the Galápagos in 1957.

Moreno created around ten thousand works of art, before he died at the age of 82 in Quito in 2011 of diabetes.

His paintings are in collections around the world, including the Americas, at El Museo De Louisiana Casa De Cultura and in the Alianza Francesa Galleries. They are also in Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.

Watercolorist Eudoxia Estrella remembers him as an excellent student at the School of Fine Arts at the University of Cuenca. She told El Comercio in 2011, “He was temperamental, very happy, and bohemian.”

Stimulating collages are a big portion of what is on display.

“He inspired many with all of his techniques,” said López. “Whatever Moreno learned, he shared with everyone.”

It has been said that watercolors, oils, acrylics, and paintings are the legacy left by Moreno. López would add collages to that list.

Collages, the technique and the resulting work of art in which pieces of paper, photographs, and fabric are arranged and adhered onto a supporting surface, is a big portion of what is being exhibited at Casa Aurora.

“Collages were not treated as high art when Moreno created them,” said López. “He put a lot of effort into his collages. His collages should be considered one of the best in Latin America, if not the world.”

A small wooden bridge that is surrounded by large stones is a welcoming and pleasing entrance to Casa Aurora.

López added that Moreno created a new category with collages. He was a pioneer in integrating music into his art.

“Moreno’s work is like a lyrical score of beauty. It is a total hybridization of art and sound,” said López. “Each collage becomes musical instruments that, endowed with a delirious melomaniac… bursting into colors.”

The style, López attributes to Moreno’s time in Italy studying design.

“Because of that, I think Moreno is the one who created the bridge between art and design,” said López. “Moreno was ahead of his generation, always trying to incorporate the future into his works. He was always trying to deconstruct modern art.”

Moreno opened the first art gallery in the city. Galería 88 was created in 1962 but no longer exists. However, it left the way open for those who came later.

Christian López proudly presents artwork by Oswaldo Moreno that has not been seen for 25 years.

That includes Casa Aurora.

Built in 1993, the house owes its name to the neighborhood where it is located, which was once called Aurora. Casa Aurora opened in October 2022, three blocks east of the University of Azuay.

“My uncle passed away in 2011. He was ahead of his time with his art collection,” said López. “I opened Casa Aurora in his home to show my uncle’s collection.”

The former family house is a place full of art and harmony. It starts with the appealing and relaxing entrance, with a small wooden bridge that is surrounded by large stones.

Moreno was a huge supporter of music. His collage of Jamaican reggae musician and songwriter Bob Marley hangs in a special room.

Designed by Cuenca architect Xavier Durán, the exposed brick throughout the house, and nooks and crannies make for a visually appealing place to display art as well as appreciate it. Its avant-garde architecture and construction quality earned it the Ornato architectural award from the city of Cuenca.

The purpose of Casa Aurora, López said, is that Cuencanos and the rest of the country can enjoy and learn from national and international talents, while enjoying a pleasant atmosphere full of art.

“We don’t just want paintings,” said López.

Oswaldo Moreno Heredia (Cuenca: 1929 – Quito: December 3, 2011)

That is why Kimono designers Lynn Mizono and Marinés Cardoso were featured at a three-week-long exposition in June 2023. There were talks, demonstrations of dyeing and design techniques, art and meditation workshops, and live music.

“I am the fourth generation of artists,” said López. “My uncle’s father was a great poet: Alfonson Moreno Mora.”

Artwork by López and his siblings are on display on the upper floors as well as by his father, Gustavo López Moreno, an iconic artist.

Patrons enjoying one of the collages by Oswaldo Moreno.

Gustavo’s works represented Ecuador at an exhibit by the Ecuadorian Ambassador to Mexico, and as an homage to Ecuadorian art in Xochimilco, Mexico. He is responsible for the founding of the Academy of Arts at Colegio Benigno Malo.

There is something for everyone as each artist has their own unique style and medium.

Oswaldo Moreno’s artwork currently keeps the family’s artwork company. López hopes to create replicas of Moreno’s works for people to enjoy for years to come.

The originals can be seen by appointment by contacting López. There is no admission charge.

Various mediums of Moreno’s works are on display at Casa Aurora. WhatsApp for an appointment to view the artwork.

On March 20th, there will be a fundraising gala from 6 to 9 p.m. Live music as well as wine, cocktails, and hors d’oeuvres will be part of the special event. Tickets are $45 in advance and $50 at the door.  López said to WhatsApp or email him for further information.

“If you have come to our music events in Casa Aurora, you already know how much we care to offer good quality cultural events,” said López. “And if you haven’t been able to come, this will be a great opportunity to discover this marvelous house.”
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Casa Aurora, Christian López, Los Cisnes y Las Golondrinas, Cuenca, https://www.instagram.com/casaauroracuenca/, 098-700-8747 (WhatsApp), fromceti@gmail.com, Hours: By Appointment

Photos by Stephen Vargha

Stephen Vargha’s second edition of his book about Cuenca, “Una Nueva Vida – A New Life” is available at Amazon in digital and hardback formats. His award-winning blog, “Becoming Cuenca,” supplements his book with the latest information and hundreds of professional photos by him.