Hispanic Heritage Month: A spotlight on Agustin Vargas

Our coverage of Hispanic Heritage Month continues with Horizonte’s Jose Cardenas speaking with artist and architect Augustin Vargas, who talked about his career path as a latino in the arts.

“My background is.. from the University of Mexico in Mexico City. I always wanted to be an architect since I was very young and I did it. I practiced architecture in Mexico City for several years. I’ve always loved art, it’s one of the reasons when I attended the University of Mexico, you have to take some watercolor class through your architectural learning,” Vargas said.

He said that was when he really got interested in watercolor and started getting into different art techniques.

“I figured at one point when I moved to the United States, I was solely painting because another way to practice architecture I had to go through all of this process to validate all my grades…I started to get more involved with art,” Vargas said.

Vargas started incorporating elements of architecture in his art, he started using his architectural background.

He works with Xico Inc that provides opportunities for Latino and Indigenous artists to practice and grow their work.

He said he finally feels at home and he loves to share his knowledge and teach. He’s in charge of some exhibitions and programs and is teaching at Xinco Inc. He is, “very happy to be here.”