"The Smoking Mirror" Charms The L.A. Times

Eduardo Villacis' alternate-history exhibit, "The Art of The Smoking Mirror," is back in Los Angeles at the Bert Green Fine Art gallery. As part of his graduating show at CSUF, Villacis (MFA in Illustration), created this sumptuous collection of hand-made artifacts and beautiful illustrations of the make-believe Aztec conquest of Europe during the 15th century. The catchy "what if" idea of the show and Villacis' abundant wit displayed in even the smallest details has charmed the L.A. Times reviewer of "The Smoking Mirror". "The Smoking Mirror" is the title of the graphic novel that will tell in more detail the story of this ironic saga. Villacis' fans have long been awaiting this book because it promises to be a visual tour-de-force. Villacis' art combines forceful lines, momentous depictions, finesse in his character depictions, and a graceful balancing act blending stylized Aztec designs with classic Western art principles. Villacis is now Chair of the Fine Arts Department of one the most prestigious universities in his home country, Ecuador.