I always try to think of an intriguing lead-in for my articles that are also relevant to the subject. The first thing I thought of for this one was the fictional character of Dr. Fu Manchu. He was the creation of British author Sax Rohmer in the s. A Manchu, by the way, is a person from Manchurian China. Yes, he is the character the famous Fu Manchu mustache is named after. But, with awareness, tolerance and political correctness guiding society, Dr.
Fu Manchu has become an inappropriate and unwelcomed stereotype along with Amos and Andy, Charlie Chan and a host of similar lopsided stereotypical portrayals. The term stereotype has, in my opinion, become stereotypical because it creates one or several standards. Simple images or simplified views that may be common by members of certain groups. There is some truth to some stereotypes, however, since members of any group do share similar characteristics — artists for example.
Foreigners, representatives of racial groups and those considered outsiders in polite society have always been stereotyped, targeted and suspected for one reason or another. Some end up the victims of horrible injustice and others are, as in the case of Dr. Fu Manchu may be both villainized and celebrated, albeit not in the best light.
So what is it that led me to leadoff this profile with Dr. Fu Manchu? He immigrated to the United States at a time when his country was gripped by a real-life arch-villain and evil criminal Augusto Pinochet. First, however, before I continue, a disclaimer: Mr. He has also represented me since as an art dealer. Tens of thousands, including women and children, were imprisoned and tortured, up to 80, were wrongfully interned, and as many as 30, were tortured.
Many of these victims became known as the Desaparecidos — the disappeared. So, Luis Villanueva a Chilean expatriate for obvious reasons is an established painter. His work is part of many established and high-profile collections. And now, Villanueva can add the term art dealer and gallery owner to his accomplishments. It was touched off by Fatal Transgressions an exhibit of erotic art.
