Through the layering of color, iconic images, word play and titles in a pop art style, I play with the mixed messages that occur from being constantly subjected to information from one group or another when they are vehement about their points of view to the exclusion of any other opinion, regardless of facts, allowing viewers of the work to pause and reflect. I am interested in the contrary, i.e. saying one thing and meaning another, and lately I've been working on how politicians and the media use what we refer to today as "spin" to control perception and influence outcomes. George Orwell did it best in his fictional novel, 1984, where we were introduced to "Newspeak," "double speak" and the changing of historical data, either blatantly or through omission. The only difference is that the media in Orwell’s fantasy was completely controlled by the government and today’s media is governed by ideology of one kind or another. No longer fiction, the emotions of citizens are being preyed upon with the knowledge that good intentions can be manipulated through fear and misinformation to create results that are contrary to their original purpose. My hope is that the viewer stops long enough to ask questions about what role their actions may have played in crucial moments that affect everyone. As a recently dedicated self-taught artist, my work has just begun!
Alvaro grew up in Los Angeles, is a self-taught artist who has shown in cities across the country and currently lives in Atlanta.
You can see some of his work here.
Alvaro Alvillar
Steve Martin: Renaissance Man
by Alvaro AlvillarWell…ok…he’s no Michelangelo and he’s definitely no Leonardo…but then…who is?
Besides, that was then and this is now. In this time of excruciatingly mediocre talent, where the line between reality show contestants and some of our entertainment superstars is…ummm…blurred, Steve Martin’s talent is proof one need not settle for second best. In Hollywood, the worlds most famous, over-crowded town of wannabe-wannabe’s (yes, the bar has been lowered that much), he’s the real deal and more.
Not only is he one of America’s most famous comics, who actually happens to be LOL funny, Steve Martin is an accomplished actor, a successful writer and a talented musician. Some of his accolades include: an Emmy, four Grammy’s and a Disney Legend Award. He was awarded the 2005 Kennedy Center’s Mark Twain Prize for American Humor and he is one of the Kennedy Center’s 2007 Honors recipients.
As if that weren’t enough, he also happens to be one serious art collector. I found out about this side of him, around twenty years ago, at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. There was an exhibit of contemporary art and I came across this fantastic, representational abstract. The painting was by Neil Jenney, an artist I was unfamiliar with at the time, and it was on loan from the collection of a Mr. Steve Martin. I wondered if it was the “Steve Martin?” It was. (more…)
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REBOOT: Don’t Worry…
by Alvaro Alvillar
…we can end this bad trip.
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REBOOT: Don’t Stop Now-Remember November
by Alvaro Alvillar …Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.
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REBOOT: Is Right NOW Good Enough For You?
by Alvaro Alvillaror…you get what you pay/vote for.
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REBOOT: We Remember…
by Alvaro Alvillar Thank You.
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REBOOT: OBAME-Cult of Personality… Remember November
by Alvaro AlvillarBuy…Buy…Buh Bye!
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REBOOT: Slaves Don’t Own Guns… Free People Do
by Alvaro Alvillar This Is Not A Gun, it’s a painting, and it too-does not kill people.
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REBOOT: ‘The Genius Of The Crowd’
by Alvaro Alvillar a timely excerpt of a Charles Bukowski poem
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REBOOT: Stuck in the middle…
by Alvaro Alvillar..with you
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REBOOT: Whistling in the Dark
by Alvaro AlvillarTogether Forever
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2009: The Year the Pretense Died?
by Alvaro Alvillar
What happened? When did I become such a cynic? How can it be that my immediate reaction is skepticism to people, organizations and/or movements that outwardly seem to be selflessly asking for my support to help the less fortunate. Who are these people and what are they really after is my first thought these days. Why? How did I get here? (more…)
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