“The Percentage,” an exhibition by Puerto Rican-born, Easton-based artist Angel Suarez-Rosado, continues through Sept. 21, Arthaus, Allentown.

Described as “Artist, Shaman, Santería Priest and Trickster,” Suarez-Rosado, in the exhibition has colorful paintings, masks and installations tied to his religious beliefs, personal experiences and political views.

“His artwork evokes the possibility of changes,” says exhibition curator Deborah Rabinsky. “This is really a healing show because we all have gone through COVID and its three years of seclusion.”

The title, “The Percentage,” reflects Suarez-Rosado’s life in recent years. The 65-year-old artist had a heart attack during Christmastime 2021 and was diagnosed with cancer four months before that.

Having lived through challenging times, health-wise and financially, Suarez-Rosado says he can only handle “a fragment of the reality” and “pieces of politics.” The passing of his partner left him with just a “hint of love.

“I had a lipoma removed from my chest. This painting has to do with that, with pain,” Suarez-Rosado says of “Untitled” (2022; oil and enamel on canvas and mixed media, 30 in. x 30 in.). “The butterflies only have three wings. One of the wings is absent because something was removed from me.” After having the benign tumor removed, he says, “I am in control now.”

Candy wrappers lined up on three sides of the image relate to the sweets that Suarez-Rosado can no longer enjoy because of his health.

“Untitled” (2021; papier-mâché, 16 in. x 20 in.) is one of eight masks with beast-like visages and protruding horns.

The artist names installations, but not often individual pieces.

The main installation on the floor in the center of the gallery is cage-like shopping carts with a white flag of surrender in front. Three human figures, wearing white dresses, colorful beads and a handkerchief covering their heads, inhabit three of the carts. The work represents United States-Mexican border problems.

A fourth cart in the grouping contains empty prescription bottles. This represents sickness and pain.

Other works are rendered on wood panels, old doors, crutches and other found objects.

Suarez-Rosado received a Bachelor of Fine Arts in 1982 and a Master of Fine Arts in 1985 from the School of Visual Arts, New York, N.Y. Keith Haring was a classmate.

The loss of many of his friends during the AIDS epidemic has influenced Suarez-Rosado’s work.

Arthaus, a partnership between RE:find and the Allentown Arts Commission, 645 W. Hamilton St., Allentown. 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. Tuesday - Saturday. Closed Sunday, Monday. allentownarts.com; 610-841-4866

“Gallery View” is a column about artists, exhibitions and galleries. To request coverage, email: Paul Willistein, Focus editor, pwillistein@tnonline.com