Eleazar Sanchez’s artistic journey is rooted in a formal training that blends classical painting techniques with bold personal experimentation. In 1997, he graduated with a Professorate in Arts from the Centro Nacional de Artes in El Salvador. His career began with extensive travels across Europe, where he explored the intersection of social and cultural symbolism. Confronted with dynamic and complex realities, Eleazar developed expressive techniques to create images that intertwine oneiric restlessness with the intricate narratives of contemporary society.
In 2002, Eleazar relocated to Italy, where the striking landscapes and cultural heritage of Sicily profoundly influenced his work. This period of exploration fueled his commitment to pushing artistic boundaries, earning him multiple awards and recognition as a surrealist painter. In 2004, his expertise extended into scenography, where he was commissioned to design, paint, and oversee large-scale scenic installations for both public and private organizations.
Eleazar’s distinctive voice as a surrealist artist gained significant momentum in Italy, leading to his recognition with an Honorary Degree in "Classe di Pittura" by the Accademia Internazionale Città di Roma. This acknowledgment came during the collective exhibition "El Salvador Oggi," which showcased Salvadoran culture abroad, further establishing Eleazar as an ambassador of his homeland's artistic heritage.
In 2008, he joined the Cultural Association L'Incontro in Camporeale, Sicily, where his interests expanded to include political and cultural commentary through art. His satirical cartoons gained popularity in the newspaper L’Incontro, bridging his surrealistic style with pressing social themes. His contributions highlighted his ability to adapt his art to various contexts, whether cultural, social, or historical.
Eleazar's skill in commissioned works began gaining recognition for its balance of contemporary and traditional themes. Among his notable commissions was a portrait of Óscar Romero, created for the Basilica di Santo Stefano Maggiore in Milan in 2015. The work was unveiled during the beatification celebrations of the Salvadoran martyr, showcasing Eleazar’s ability to imbue his art with profound cultural significance. This piece, alongside a unique portrait of Romero presented to Pope Francis, became part of the Vatican's private collection, solidifying Eleazar’s international reputation.
In 2016, his works were displayed at the Diocesan Museum of Piazza Armerina, Sicily, during a six-month exhibition. This exposure led to further invitations to exhibit across Italy, Berlin, and France, where his surrealist paintings continued to captivate audiences. His creativity extended beyond traditional mediums in 2017 when he collaborated with Saley Art - Bistro Gallery in Nice, France, combining visual art with culinary experiences inspired by his work.
Eleazar's commissions continued to flourish, reflecting his mastery in blending cultural identity with personal expression. Highlights include a portrayal of the "Madonna del Conforto" for San Salvatore Church in Roccamena, Sicily, and a depiction of Sicilian martyr Pino Puglisi for the Basilica of San Sebastiano in Acireale. His most recent contribution in 2024 is a portrayal of San Mauro Abate, which was inaugurated during a solemn Pontifical celebration.
In 2024, Eleazar expanded his artistic horizons by lawfully relocating to the United States. Establishing himself in Jersey City, he has begun contributing to private collections on the East Coast while continuing to engage in international exhibitions, such as the "Art Without Borders Italy-Georgia" in Tbilisi. His commitment to innovation and exploration defines his artistic trajectory, ensuring his work continues to transcend cultural and linguistic boundaries.
Through a prolific career spanning continents, Eleazar Sanchez demonstrates an unwavering dedication to his craft, using his art as a medium to explore identity, emotion, and the complexities of the human experience. His works reside in private and public collections in more than fifty cities across Europe and the United States, cementing his legacy as a visionary artist with a uniquely evocative style.