Sergio Valadez Estrada

Sergio Valadez Estrada (born September 1, 1943) is a Mexican painter, sculptor and musician based in France. His themes are mostly related to life in Paris, but with a Mexican artistic perspective. His work has been shown regularly in several countries, especially France and Mexico, and he has been recognized with membership in the Salón de la Plástica Mexicana.

Life Valadez studied painting, sculpture and printmaking at the Academy of San Carlos (ENAP) from 1960 to 1964. He also studied classical music. In 1973, he made himself a permanent resident of the country. first prize at the Villiers- sur-Marne International Competition in 1978 and an honorary mention at the Niza International Competition.

His subjects are mostly from his life in the French capital, but he omits obvious icons such as the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame. Instead, he focuses on everyday life in anonymous locations, often drawing on his experiences in Paris’ bars and nightclubs. Common themes in his work include bullfighting, urban scenes in Paris, and the people of that city, prostitutes, lovers, dance halls, cafes.

Despite his more European focus thematically, Valadez maintains his Mexican artistic perspective, showing influence from painters such as José Clemente Orozco. He has also painted everyday life in Mexico as well, pulque bars, street vendors.