Alfredo Castañeda incorporates self-portraits and self-reflections into his compositions that were heavily influenced by Surrealism in Europe during the 1950s and 60s. He was specifically intrigued by Rene Magritte. “When I studied architecture, I saw for the first time some works by Rene Magritte that caused my curiosity. They were very etched on me. I liked them. Then I got to know his world.” Like Magritte, Castañeda created fantastical universes that explored unparalleled figurative symbolism in which the artist was able to outwardly communicate personal ideas and emotions. Exampled in Announcing Your Death, the figures float upon a muted backdrop. The tones and colors here evoke a contemplative, spiritual mood that underscore the macabre title.

Born in Mexico City in 1938, Alfredo Castañeda grew up sketching scenes from bullfights he attended and received painting lessons from various family members. He obtained a formal degree in architecture from the University of Mexico in 1962, and in 1969 he had his first solo exhibition at the Galeria de Arte Mexicano. His intriguing surrealist imagery has propelled his works to be included in museums in Mexico, Latin America, the United States, Europe, and Japan. The artist passed away in 2010.

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