Michael Vasquez in ‘Portraiture Now’ at the Americas Society

The street and gang life surrounding Miami painter Michael Vasquez as he grew up without a father have become subject matter for his large-scale, bold paintings based on friends, family and acquaintances. A standout in the Americas Society’s show of self-portraits by U.S. Latino artists, the dark background of this touching painting of a man and boy is foreboding. (Through October 17th).

Michael Vasquez, The Neighborhood Tour, acrylic and oil on canvas, 2007.