Oscar Toloza is a Salvadoran-American painter based in Indianapolis whose exhibition “Solstice in Spirit” recently filled the Fonseca-Du Bois Gallery in the Indianapolis Liberation Center. Working across media like acrylics, oils, graphite, spray paint, and tattooing, his paintings blend surreal dreamscapes with vivid animal-filled worlds that explore themes of the self and our bond with nature.

As a self-taught artist inspired by Eastern-inspired art and pre-Hispanic influences, Oscar has created dozens of pieces spanning paintings and murals since 2019. Recently at the Eiteljorg, his Latino Artist Mentorship Program piece, “The Path We Bear” pays homage to his family and roots in El Salvador, drawing inspiration from the late Salvadoran artist Fernando Llort. His piece “The Infinite Reach” was also included in Arte Club at Newfields, a show organized by Arte Mexicano en Indiana and Indiana Latino Arts that explores the complexity of Latino identity.

These works were on view at the same time as “Solstice in Spirit,” and while all shows have closed, you can still view his wide portfolio of work at his website.

Filming/Editing/Writing: Jay Grillo
Production Assistance: Cecilia Gomez and Laina Pacquette

This series is in partnership with the Fonseca-Du Bois Gallery and filmed at the Indy Liberation Center as an effort to highlight independent artists and uplift marginalized and oppressed communities through the stories behind their work.