Walking the grounds of the DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun feels like walking back in time. It may be the unique open-ceiling chapel with colorful murals surrounding old wooden benches, or the winding gallery with aging adobe walls and high arching doorways.

Either way, the 10-acre retreat provides the perfect atmosphere for “”Revolución: Tierra y Libertad,”” an exhibit featuring Tucson artist Ettore DeGrazia’s depictions of the Mexican Revolution.

DeGrazia’s interest in the revolution is on display in the collection of emotional paintings and sketches spanning 30 years of his life.

“”He went back and revisited the subject matter again and again,”” said the gallery’s executive director Lance Laber.

DeGrazia used radiating bright colors that often contrast with the depressing mood of the subject. His abstract, flowing brushstrokes depict convincing movement. The paintings jump off the dimly lit walls, making the display wonderfully eye-catching.

“”I’ve been here so many years, and I continue to look at his paintings and they still amaze me,”” Laber said.

DeGrazia often left faces as haunting blank circles without eyes, noses or mouths.

“”He wanted people to be able to go back,”” Laber said. “”If you leave something out, it leaves something to the imagination.””

DeGrazia created the gallery in 1952 to display his work.

“”He figured if no one else was going to do it, he was going to,”” Laber said. “”Nobody gave him any respect.””

“”Revolución: Tierra y Libertad”” runs until Jan. 16 at the DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun.