Art 101: I am an American!
by Alvaro Alvillar
I made the above painting:
A. To point out to the art community who I am?
B. To make clear to my Latino brothers and sisters who I am?
C. To leave no doubt to anyone as to who I am?
D. To suggest that the journey is relevant but that in the long run, it is who you are now and what you do now that matters?
E. All of the above?
Alvaro Avillar’s portfolio can be viewed here.
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24 Comments
What does it matter what others think, as long as you feel strongly in your love of country? By the way, I do like the painting.
I think it’s necessary that the American society begin to accentuate our commonality before we perish in our differences. American Exceptionalism, pride, honor despite what our politicians and the MSM say, does exist in most Americans.
All of the above. You understand what it's like to love your adopted country and still respect your country of origin and the peoples. Not to sound like Hannity, but I do believe you ARE a great American, Alvaro!
I'm in the same boat you're in. I wasn't born here, but I came here legally when I was 3 and I love my adopted country. But be careful. Don't say that too loud. You might be labeled a "Tio" Tom by idiots.
E. All of the above.
"Tio" Tom, I love it. And stop calling it your "adopted" country. As long as you believe and support the ideas it was founded on, it is YOUR country as much as it is mine. (born here) No matter where you took your first breath. All of my gandparents were born elsewhere, and when I asked them what they considered themselves they all said, in broken english, "I'm American from Italy/Norway." "American" is an idea not born of geography or ethnicity or race. There are millions of Americans living outside the borders right now, they just haven't gotten here yet.
Why you paint something is irrelevent and the intellectualization of Art is in itself its own demise, great Art does not seek or care to be understood, it simply is. It might be cathartic, but it will never leave the ants far enough behind.
NIce Stencilling, Picasso.
Wow! The supreme inventor and arbiter of art comments on this crappy blog! How lucky are we?
Mexicans will quickly let you know they are also Americans.
Put down the bong, dude.
Very.
Intellectualization of Art is in itself its own demise
Thank you for that…
Check out the stenciling in "Fallen Angel", it was made for you!
"Mexicans will quickly let you know they are also Americans."
I"ve never met a "Mexican" who would say that and I don't know what circles you travel in but I'd bet you haven't either.
What's your point?
Thank you, Thebutlerdidit,
but I have to say that I was born here and I'm not sure why some people think otherwise, I never said that.
Both my parents are from Mexico and both came here legally after doing everything right to be able to come here- medical exams and shots, birth certificates, police background checks, proper papers (including tender) and various other legalities like that…like they used to in the old days.
You've been a constant supporter and I just wanted to clear that up and thank you as well, Alvaro.
When in Mexico City, if asked what my nationality was and I replied "American" I have had several Mexican citizens respond, "So am I", and would correct me that I was Norte-Americano". I have been to most major Mexican cities, but not for many years. You sounded very defensive – why? I guess my point is we are not the only Americans and maybe some Mexicans resent it when we imply we are. I don't know what circles you travel in either, but I don't think I would say you are lying if you made a comment. Sorry to have offended you! Why did you put the word Mexican in quotes? It is a real nationality. And there is nothing wrong with being Mexican. No need to respond. I'm outta here. Get some skin.
You do realize that Mexicans are also NorteAmericanos, right?
P.S. I also love the painting.
It does what art is supposed to do.
It makes you think.
Good point, I've had the same experience when in Mexico myself and had you been clear the first go around I would not have mistaken your comment for one of those hit and run points that I've also experienced. That's why the quotes, when I asked people to say what they meant when they talked about Mexicans they knew, it turns out they made it up. I responded "cause I wanted to and I for one am glad you did too. Got skin/will travel!
Yo soy humano. Amazing the little things that we allow to separate us. I see you see beyond that. Bravo!
alvaro: We never really go away do we? I like your art and your explanation. And yes, Doubie Wah I am aware they are also Norte-Americanos. It does seem I need a bit of skin on myself, though. I'm new to this forum business and will think a bit before pushing that button again..
Love the piece alvaro.
I was an American prior to Nov. 8 2008. After the country rewarded the Democrats for their horrible behavior the last 8 yrs, I told myself, the country left me. America turned into a country I could not support. I just live in this country. I will just take from this country and will not give anything back. That is what Obama has done to me. He made me HATE the very country I was born in. So be it. So today I would just say I am from Illinois.
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