Luis Vargas

Dominican self-started and hardworking singer/guitarist Luis Vargas (born Luis Rafael Valdez Vargas) became involved in popular music after meeting a local musician who taught him how to play guitar. After deciding to pursue a solo career, Luis Vargas self-produced his first single, promoted and sold by himself. Supported by local artists Pedro Pimentel, Artemio Sánchez, Antonio Carrasco, and Anthony Santos, his music began being played by local radio stations. After issuing his music through an independent label, Sony International signed him up, releasing Volvio el Dolor in 1997. Original, vintage, pen and ink, "on-the-spot" illustration by George 'Georges' Krishizki. The hand drawn illustration has been signed by Vargas and additionally signed and dated and titled by Krishizki: "Georges / 1983 / Luis Vargas."

George 'Georges' Krishizki (March 22, 1924 – December 20, 2001), Russian-Polish-American illustrator who came to the U.S. in 1949. While he earned acclaim for his renderings of the city’s architectural landmarks, it was his on-the-spot drawings of musicians in performance that attracted an especially appreciative audience. In a 1973 article published in conjunction with two simultaneous exhibitions, Georges explained the genesis of his long-running engagement with the concert hall: “I’ve always enjoyed going to concerts, and one day I decided it would be fun to combine my interests in music and art and make sketches of musicians during performances.”  Indeed, the most remarkable feature of Georges’ oeuvre, apart from the astounding range of performers who gladly expressed their approval and appreciation by signing, is the skill with which the drawings are accomplished.

This original pen and ink illustration, measuring approximately 9 x 12, on heavy-weight sketch paper, is in fine condition with some light overall toning. Its verso is blank and clean.