“The Gift of Grief” was José Higuera’s debut art exhibition. It was held on 17 August 2024 at Jacksonville-Onslow Council for the Arts in Jacksonville, NC. José displayed 13 artworks that they worked on for the past year. This exhibition is dedicated in the loving memory of Ivey “Papa” Moody, José’s adoptive grandfather who served in the Vietnam War.
“It is my hope that we may reframe the way we talk about, experience, and heal from our grief. Not to deny ourselves and try to avoid feeling at all. This exhibition is that notion, fully realized. These artworks are the gift.” - José Higuera
“The Gift of Grief 1.0”, 2022
10in x 10in
Acrylic on canvas
The painting below is three abstract faces of José’s father at different stages of his life. Their father, whom they share the same name with, raised them as a single parent from infancy. He now resides in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. Their relationship remains estranged however José is very close to their fathers side of the family and visits them often.
Self-portrait, 2024
1.5ft x 1.5ft
Acrylic on hardboard
“Conditional Connection”, 2023
2ft x 1.5ft
Acrylic on canvas
“Maternal Malice”, 2024
Acrylic and beading on canvas
30in x 24in
“Savory Somber”, 2024
Acrylic and beading on canvas
24in x 18in
“Kid Consoled”, 2024
2ft x 2ft
Acrylic and paint marker on canvas
“Unrealized Reality”, 2024
Acrylic on canvas
18in x 16in
“The Gift of Grief 3.0”, 2024
Acrylic and beading on canvas
4ft x 4ft
“Perpetual Purpose”, 2024
Acrylic and beading on canvas
24in x 20in
“Family Forlorn”, 2024
22in x 28in
Acrylic on canvas
“The Gift of Grief 2.0”, 2024
2ft x 2ft
Acrylic and beading on canvas
The painting below is a portrait of José’s Partner George. They have been together since the summer of 2020. Through all of life’s obstacles and wins, their relationship remains steadfast. This painting stands as a testament of José’s love for George.
“A Commitment to Caring”, 2024
24in x 30in
Acrylic on canvas
“Vietnam’s Vengeance”, 2024
Acrylic on canvas
3ft x 2 ft
“I painted this as a tribute to my late grandfather (Ivey Moody) , who served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. It also stands as a reminder of what struggles veterans go through to receive healthcare for injury sustained from their military service.”
José’s Papa Ivey passed away on 7 May 2018 due to health complications that stemmed from their military service. Like their late grandfater, José is a veteran with service-connected disabilities.
