Untitled
signed and dated 2003 (lower right)
oil on canvas
40” x 48” (102 cm x 122 cm)

They say that the exacting rendering of hands for many an artist is a task that is near difficult. But for a virtuoso like Ventura, the execution of hands -- no, limbs and the human anatomy as a whole -- is something that is done with ease and a self-assured mastery.

For the artist, the skin assumes a most expressive surface, always in a smooth marmoreal tone. The color of the skin, along with the perfect almost symmetrical execution, recalls that of classical art.

Juxtaposition (layering) as well, is one of Ventura’s objectives as he throws in a variety of images as a means of exploring identity.