Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico - Joy to the World! What an uplifting sentiment during this Holiday Season. But I wonder, how much happier might we be if we saw joy in the world every day of the year?

Artist Abelardo Favela certainly does, finding beauty and humor in observing even the most mundane of everyday actions, from walking the dog to getting dressed. Chop wood, carry water; every single moment matters.

In the world of Favela, skies are always blue because we can always make life-affirming choices. And refreshingly, no deep intellectual reserves need be summoned to appreciate his exuberant works, because there is nothing contrived or forced about either his subjects or his style. Best described as minimalist and figurative with a nod to famed Italian artist Modigliani, his oils in jaunty primary hues celebrate every aspect of this thing called life.

Mirroring back to us our best selves, a Favela painting or sculpture is an attitude as much as it is a work of art. With universal appeal, one simply cannot help but feel cheerful in its presence. In an interview last year, Favela said "you live with art like you live with a person" ...they both affect your mood. "So why be sad? I simply can't paint anything negative or tragic, ugly or rotten. Every day I am learning more and more that allegre is my life now."

Highly successful in advertising for many years, Favela sold his Mexico City agency when realizing that expressing his highest impulses through art was what made life truly worthwhile for him. Widely exhibited, including at the esteemed José Luis Cuevas Museum of Contemporary Art in 2006, in May Favela will exhibit at the amazing Chapel Arts Museum in the city of Puebla.

What a pleasure it is at this joyous time of year, to meet an artist whose work makes us smile, and on Friday the 27th of December, Galería Contempo cordially invites you to meet Abelardo Favela at his Opening Reception from 6 pm - 10 pm.