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ABOUT FRANCISCO GRIPPA

I first met Señor Grippa in 1992, in Pevas, Peru, a small town at the confluence of the Ampiyacu River and the main stream of the Amazon, about half way between Iquitos and Leticia (see artistic map). Once you are in Pevas, it is easy to find Grippa's house. From the center of town, beyond the school, the path leads down to a creek, across a small wooden bridge to Grippa's house.

From his native-built studio you gaze upon lovely views of the river. His gallery and fine paintings are the major attraction for visitors to Pevas. Forty-nine and native of Peru (of Peruvian and Hungarian parents), Grippa now has his home and studio in Pevas. He trained in Paris, London and New York and exhibits in the United States.

Besides board and conventional canvas, uniquely among established artists he paints on a cloth made of bark from a fig tree ('chuchuara', Ficus yoponensis), working in traditional media of oils and acrylics. (After preparation this cloth-like material is used also by natives as a canvas to paint Amazonian scenes.)

His present goal is to interpret Amazonian life in art. His work reflects a personal view of the rainforest in a unique expressive impressionist style. He uses a Jackson Pollock technique but his subjects are more defined and the effect is reminiscent of Euopean impressionists. But as he says, "Grippa is Grippa, and no-one else." His work is indeed pure 'Grippismo,' and reflects true virtuosity. He has also turned his hand to sculpture and a few pieces can be seen in his studio.

With free coffee, soft drinks, beer and fruits, and without an appointment, Francisco offers any visitor a gracious welcome, whether or not they buy a painting. There is something here for everyone. You can buy tapes of specially composed music ($10, before you go have Francisco play it to check the quality). There are postcards, prints, and original work in various colourful media (from $1 to $100): pencil, pastels and sculptures. Most paintings are a combination of oils and acrylics on tree bark or canvas. The smallest are $250 up, while the largest works range from $2,500 to over $5,000. Sñr. Grippa arranges all packaging and if necessary shipping. Be sure to sign the visitor's book to get notice of his exhibitions in the United States.

You can't miss Grippa's house — it dominates the town atop a hill. The view from the house looks toward the confluence of the Río Ampiyacu and the main stream — coconut palms and thatched roofs dot the foreground, forest and river recede into the distance.

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