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**Human Interest: Julio Galán in Retrospect**   "Los Complices," 1987 & "As I Wake Up," 1985    Julio Galán was arguably the finest artist to come out of Mexico since Frida Kahlo. A Neo-Expressionist, Galán used a sort of post modern symbolism in his artwork, often making references to his childhood and Catholicism. His paintings were full of vivid color and surreal details. He was a part of the surrealist movement that was taking place in New York at the time, and was inspired by other artists like David Salle and Francisco Clemente, among others.

Galán was born in 1959 to a wealthy family in Monterrey and had four brothers and sisters. While studying architecture at the University of Monterrey, he first became interested in drawing and received encouragement from professors and local art dealers. He started work as an artist in 1981. His work was first published in Andy Warhol’s magazine, the Interview. Soon after, in 1984, he moved New York City to further pursue his career. . In 1994 he won the "Premio Marco" from the 'Museo de Arte Contemporaneo de Monterrey'. The same year he had exhibits at the Center for Fine Arts in Miami, Florida, the Museo de Arte Moderno in México City and at the Contemporary Art Museum of Houston, Texas.

He had managed to become a successful artist, but died in 2006 of brain hemorrhage on his way back to Monterrey at just forty six years old.