Within the kaleidoscopic history of art, equestrian art stands out for robust figurines of the horse as the muse. Columbian artist Eduardo Marquez captures the grand scale of the scene with exceptional finesse. Many of these works can be seen at the Marquez Gallery.
Marquez seamlessly merges the world of art and equestrianism, and sees polo through a body of work that ranges from paintings (oil on linen, graphite, watercolor and charcoal on paper) as well as sculptures of the same. He couldn’t escape the stimulating environment of equine sports. From an early age, it was the invigorating and refreshing locale of Valle del Cauca with its colourful sugarcane plantations, salsa music, Paso Fino horses (known for their smooth gait) and mixture of cultures that had palpable influences on his work. He attended the Massachusetts College of Art and Design, which he claims “was priceless to me as a young painter” as the combination of technical and artistic inputs from extraordinary professors opened his horizons to international art.
Commenting on how he gains inspiration from polo, he states: “I am fascinated by the years and decades of efforts it takes for intricate preparation and coordinated team effort on such events to even make a single polo game possible. No matter the hardships the results are worthy, fulfilling and memorable for those watching and playing in the spectacle. I am proud to be part of such a tradition and feel committed to promote the horses as an everlasting symbol of freedom, strength, love and beauty without boundaries.” His connection with the equestrian sports started since his father was breeding horses.
He painted an outstanding vision of Platinada, the polo horse, in 2020 for Overo Z7 as sent by the legendary player Horacio Heguy a few years back. Expressing his awe for the mare, he states, “Platinada is definitely my favourite and a large piece. Horacio sent me the images and videos a few years back and I was captivated by its look and gestures. I love how the sun comes from the left and right hitting her body. It depicts a perfect day for stick and balling and the position of the mare looking firmly focused on her rider shows how perceptive and intelligent these equine players are.”
His favorite painting: “Platinada”
Oil on linen
62.99”x 55.11” (160cmx140cm)
2020
Eduardo Márquez
His journey has taken him to a few famous locations around the world. “Many years ago polo really attracted me because my older brother used to play near a friend’s field where we lived. From then on I started travelling around the world going to polo games and events. In 2019, I attended the Abierto de Polo in Argentina and got to meet some legends who were exceptionally inspiring. I had a solo exhibition of my last artwork at the NYC Polo Club with the charity club called Pegasus as part of an event. They do therapeutic riding, provide equine-assisted activities, therapies for people with special needs, veterans and individuals at risk. I have always tried to help people with my art. This year I will attend the East Coast Open at the Greenwich Polo Club during the summer and look forward to actively participate in the event.”
With his take on the polo pitch gaining recognition, soon polo art will see a renaissance even on the digital sphere.
Last Edited – 9th August 2022
