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Artist Spotlight
Name: Alfred Perez
City: Miami Beach
Birthplace: Coral Gables
Artistic Medium: Etched oil on canvas
How did you get started?
I started painting six years ago out of a desire to fulfill a lifetime dream. My first trip to an art store here on Miami Beach's Lincoln Road, was with my cousin, who has a masters’ in lighting and set design. The pursuit of his art, helped spark in me an already simmering curiosity to follow mine.
Who or what are your influences?
In terms of artists, I'm moved by the likes of Francis Bacon, Wilfredo Lam, Frida Kahlo, Andy Warhol, Mario Carreño, Hernan Bas, and Dalí, to name a few. My Latin heritage and memories of my family practicing an Afro-Cuban religion called Lucumi/Yoruba from an early age, also greatly influences my work.
What inspires your work?
Politics, sexual inequalities, religion in general and my own personal experiences serve as the subject matter.
How does Miami/South Florida influence your work?
Its bold colors, the sun, plants and weather are what I was born to, and call home, besides being very similar to that of my parents native homeland. Life here on South Beach is a regional influence, with it's thriving GLBT community, and all what they bring to the table.
How would you describe your work?
I think it's both figurative and abstract. There's always a narrative, although not always immediately clear. It speaks to what I believe in.
What has been the most unusual reaction to your work from the public?
During three days of Art Basel Miami Beach 2007, I stood right outside the entrance to the fair with a harness attached to my body, with one of my paintings on my chest and another on my back, handing out postcards to an improvised exhibition in my studio. There were reactions from both sides of the aisle, from distaste to cheers, praise and encouragement. One such case was a seven-year-old who approached me with his sister and mother, egging me on for a long while. When he was about to go in, he stopped to open a sketch pad he was holding, with amazing pieces of his own. I suspect he was going to do an improvised exhibition of this own inside with gallery owners. He made my day!
What would you like to achieve as an artist?
I would like to speak through my paintings, giving a little insight into how I see the world, all the while also being able to sustain my current lifestyle with painting as my soul means of support.
Where is your work available?
For now on my website: www.alfredperez.org.
If you are an artist and would like to be a part of Artist
Spotlight, contact Mary Damiano at
StarrWriter2000@aol.com
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