Photos from the Desmadre opening….

Some shots from the Desmadre: Fresh Latino Perspectives opening event



Los Sancudos



Alejandro Diaz

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Alejandro Dzul

Not only is Alejandro an airbrush artist par excellence, he is also Dzul studio’s front man providing the marketing, business and team direction.He had the artistic aye at an early age. He’s been drawing since, and the more he did, the more he wanted to keep learning different mediums to express himself. When he began learning airbrush many years ago, he found it opened him up to a new outlet of artistic expression.While it’s hard to categorize Alejandro’s art as a specific style, he describes it as “neo-twist-generation”-the melting of the hottest things in art into one innovative rendering. He credits his artistic influences, to his life style, street art, tattoo art, and really, all great art in general. His passion for art isn’t limited to a single form. He’s also an accomplished graphic artist, photographer, and will be creating a future clothing line. Whatever artistic medium Alejandro works in, he loves the outcome of something that has never been tried before, and puts a new twist on whatever he creates. You can see new works by Alejandro Dzul at “Desmadre: Fresh Latino Perspectives” at Vermillion Gallery Seattle.

Where are you from? What is your heritage?

I’m from Anaheim CA, My heritage is Mexican

What is the medium that you most commonly work in?

Photography, airbrush, and digital graphics

What tends to inspire you and your work?

As an Artist I get inspired easily by just about anything unique at any different time; by life itself, people, colors, sounds, music, and art of any medium. The simple idea of showcasing and exhibiting things that I like and how I view them or I can portray them gets me inspired to create works that show how I feel, the way I think or view subjects and at times just simple dreams or illusions. Also I’m inspired to be paid to create and artistically express the views and ideas of others.

If it was not for art I would be………..?

If it weren’t for art, I would be doing big business!!

Do you have any artistic relatives? If so what do they do?

The majority of my relatives are very artistic, my brother Smiley is not only a top notch and well know tattoo artist in the Seattle area but also has a great natural gifted talent for airbrush and traditional art mediums. My Two Sisters Catalina & Elizabeth are great piercing artists. My older brother Alvaro is also a great traditional illustrator and tattoo artist.

Is music part of your creative process? What do you listen to most?

Music is not a main component of my creative process, I’d rather listen most to my own internal musical thoughts. Sometimes outside music may stir me away from my original thinking. But I do listen to classical music sometimes when I’m creating works of art it as it helps me to focus and relax while I’m working.

What food most reminds you of home?

Home made Nopales salad, (mmmmn I should learn how to prepare one of those), home made authentic Guacamole, green salsa, and enchiladas or enfrijoladas reminds me of home.

When you are with family do speak mostly in English or Español?

puro Español at home, Spanglish with my extended family and English for business.

What do you think could help raise the profile of young Latino artists here in America?

I think being aware of how we are perceived by others within the culture and society not only as young Latino Artists but as young Latinos in general will give us a better sense on how to raise our profile. We young Latinos, I feel, we have the duty to stand up and express our selves on issues that surround our community of today and showcase and exhibit our own points of views, customs and culture. The beauty and reflections of our selves needs to shine through different mediums whether visual or audio. No one but our selves has the power to raise our profiles and make an impact and effect on the status quo.

Is there a connection between Latino artists here in the US and those throughout the hemisphere?

I believe that there is a very strong connection between Latino artists here in the US and Latino Artists through out the hemisphere. The various Latino artists works of art I have seen personally seem to reflect some of the same issues that we are faced with today.

Anybody you would like to thank or acknowledge?

I would like to thank anyone and everyone who has supported, found beauty or meaning in my work within this Desmadre. And would also like to thank my big familia!

You can see more of Alejandro Dzul’s arte at www.dzul.com

Marco Zamora

Marco Zamora was born and currently lives and works in Pomona, California. In 2004 he graduated from California Institute of the Arts, with a Bachelor of Fine Art. Using the paintbrush and pen to draw, Marco develops imagery about the urban landscape and the people that inhabit it. Producing a richly complex and experimental image, Marco goes into a neighborhood and shoots a spot, recontectualizing and collaging figures to create each paintings identity. City life, his culture, color/scale experimentation, and the working class have influenced his artwork. Splitting his time between painting and apparel design, Marco’s recent work can be seen in a variety of Van’s ads and collaboration projects as well as galleries up and down the west coast. You can see new works by Marco Zamora at “Desmadre: Fresh Latino Perspectives” May 14th at Vermillion Gallery Seattle.

Where are you from? What is your heritage?

Pomona, California. I am Nicaraguan and Mexican.

What is the medium that you most commonly work in?

Ink and watercolor.

What tends to inspire you and your work?

Everyday situations. People. Living. Riding. Work. Travel. Things. Memories.

If it was not for art I would be………..?

Damnn…….

Do you have any artistic relatives? if so what do they do?

I have one other cousin that makes paintings and others that are pursuing acting but everybody is creative in their own way.

Is music part of your creative process? What do you listen to most?

Honestly, I listen to everything it just depends on what I’m doing. But the last album I bought was Crystal Castles.

What food most reminds you of home?

Dang that’s hard, my parents would cook all the time and it would always be something new. From my mom I would have to say Tacos, and from my dad, Shrimp Cocktails.

When you are with family do speak mostly in english or espanol?

English.

What do you think could help raise the profile of young Latino artists here in America?

For me, I don’t think of myself as a Latino artist. I am an artist. Make art, put yourself out there and keep pushing.

Is there a connection between Latino artists here in the US and those throughout the hemisphere?

Yes and no. Every artist is different and has a different experience and reason for making what they make.

Anybody you would like to thank or acknowledge?

My family, fiancé and friends for always supporting what I do.

You can see more of Marco Zamora’s arte at www.marcozamora.com

Albert Reyes

Albert Reyes has been known to spit art on his hands and knees with a mouth full of beer in the middle of the street. He has also shown in a gallery along with a painting by Picasso. These same strange dualities and juxtapositions are highly prevalent in his work, which tackles both conceptual and graffiti art. Recognized for his ubiquitous “GIVE” tag, Albert has a distinctive artistic approach inspired not only by street art, comic books, and American pop culture; but also by contemporary and classical “high art”. Many of his drawings and illustrations incorporate everything from icons of corporate America to Hollywood stars to mass media to politics to consumerism. New works by Albert Reyes will be at “Desmadre: Fresh Latino Perspectives” May 14th at Vermillion Gallery Seattle.

Where are you from? What is your heritage?

I was born Los Angeles. I think that I’m German and Mexican. But where am I really from I have no idea, I guess I’ll find out when I’m dead.

What is the medium that you most commonly work in?

Graphite pencils on book covers, but that’s going to change.

What tends to inspire you and your work?

Other artists, friends, enemies. Sex, politics, religion.

If it was not for art I would be………..?

Dead.

Do you have any artistic relatives? if so what do they do?

My brother. He makes music, acts, directs, and has sex with his girlfriend.

Is music part of your creative process? What do you listen to most?

Yes. I listen to Nine Inch Nails, Lil Wayne, and Ladytron.

What food most reminds you of home?

Soft tacos.

When you are with family do speak mostly in english or espanol?

English, but I cuss at them in Espanol.

What do you think could help raise the profile of young Latino artists here in America?

Obama should give us a lot of money. So we can build homes for the homeless, cure cancer, shit like that.

Is there a connection between Latino artists here in the US and those throughout the hemisphere?

Yes. We are all connected by a greater force than ourselves, and I don’t want to call it God so let’s call it Zimbabwe.

Anybody you would like to thank or acknowledge?

All the people who support and inspire my work. They know who they are and they probably have my artwork hanging in their bathroom, above their bed, or on their living room wall. Also, I want to thank Zimbabwe.

You can see more of Albert Reyes arte at Pimplywimp.com

Julio Guerrero

Created out of love and passion, a million lives exploded as we swam for our only shelter only my life began while others died hopeless, I felt the golpes inside my mothers womb while darkness filled our sky only the moon and stars shined, I was molded out of mud my skin touched by lord up above, 10/01 the empty scales swung show nothing but love to those arms that were opened up,A new day shines new births arise others die from sinners to repent born Mexican by fortune not by choice as I flex for my jente listen I speak their voice, Built into militant ethos fighting against those who detest this,haters hold their distance cause theirs a difference between envy punk b#@*hes and the exquisite which you cant stop cause I’m persistent,” Yo soy ese compa que no dejas entrar porque no tengo zapatos ni ropa porque soy pobre no te importa” obstacles in my path i wreck’m check’m off my hit list that’s how powerful our fist is. You can see Julio Guerrero’s new arte at “Desmadre: Fresh Latino Perspectives” May 14th at Vermillion Gallery Seattle.

Where are you from? What is your heritage?

I represent Sunnyside, WA, my childhood home. I was born in Tacoaleche, Zac MEX where my heart is. All I know is that I come from a long line of Indios.

What is the medium that you most commonly work in?

I love to work with a mix media such mediums like graphite, spray cans, acrylic, watercolors, scratchboard, ink, and everything I can get my hands on. I’m fascinated by the interaction of different subjects and the end result it creates.

What tends to inspire you and your work?

I get inspired by other artists whether they be photographers, painters, musicians, or poets. Mi cultura and people I love inspire me all the time.

If it was not for art I would be………..?

If it was not for art I would be wasting my soul and living an unsatisfying life. I can’t imagine my life w/out being creative.

Do you have any artistic relatives? if so what do they do?

Hmm…artistic relatives yes, my grandparents! My grandmother would crochet beautiful pieces of art and my grandpa played the guitarilla. One of my uncles is an artist in Mexico and he does a lot of traditional work.

Is music part of your creative process? What do you listen to most?

Music is definitely part of my creative process at times. I really enjoy listening to a lot of instrumental beats this way I get lost in my own thinking process instead of being influenced. Music that fuels me up before I start something new is people like Jimi Hendrix, Los Lobos, Santana, Tupac Shakur, and Chicano rappers like old school Kid Frost. Y los corridos no se quedan atras mi compa!

What food most reminds you of home?

. A friend of mine said once “I don’t get mad when I get called a beaner it only makes me hungry”. Sopes is my favorite Mexican dish it’s a gordita style thickened tortilla that is filled up with beans in the inside then deep fried. The condiments that go with it make it even more delicious, you top it off with a spicy homemade chile verde, queso fresco, onion, cilantro, and a hint of lemon. This does the trick every time I want to think of home.

When you are with family do speak mostly in english or espanol?

When I’m at home I speak a lot of Spanish with my folks sometimes English very rare just because they don’t fully understand it. Spanglish with my brother, sisters and definitely with my nephews.

What do you think could help raise the profile of young Latino artists here in America?

. I think the way for raising the profile on young Latino artists in America is by supporting the Causa and each other by unifying a central base for artists. By networking with one another and pulling in our resources together in order to achieve exposure as a whole and ultimately creating a voice. Which in sense is the same purpose were striving as individuals, wanting to achieve our own personal goals and that is to express ourselves and our experiences freely.

Is there a connection between Latino artists here in the US and those throughout the hemisphere?

I definetly agree that theres a strong connection with Latino artists throughout the world and that is being just that (Latino) we all share core values and struggles y un Corazon bien grande.

Anybody you would like to thank or acknowledge?

I want to thank mis jefitos y mi barrio for shaping me into the person I am today. Y tambien a los infelices que no me quisieron, who thought I’d never amount to nothing, gracias por las ganas!

Pedro De Valdivia

Together his paintings have a cumulative power, and at moments they seem to attract and pull us into another world that stares out at us. You can see his life captured in the still motion of his painting, yet when you soak them in over and over again they change like moments in life that fade in and out. Every brush stroke becomes emblematic of his existence – and De Valdivia is ready to completely embrace the abyss. “If I die tonight, I would just be a dream to the world,” he says, with his wide brown eyes staring up at the sky. See new works by Pedro De Valdivia at “Desmadre: Fresh Latino Perspectives”

Where are you from? What is your heritage?

I am 1st generation American and I grew up in Pasco Washington. My heritage is a mix of more Mexican than Spaniard. Origins: Colima Mexico,Camalote Mexico, Michoacan Mexico and Spain.

What is the medium that you most commonly work in?

My work is measured in a series of years in which I have used a variety of mediums. For Example : pigments, refurbished trash, oil paint, silver (jewelry),etc. As of Late 2008 and the beginning of 2009, I have created over 123 paintings in oil- my current medium.

What tends to inspire you and your work?

In the oil painting that will be available for viewing at Vermillion Gallery, I’m confined by “Critics”. I feel that being a critic involves everyone. Also, I find this in the circumstances of building and making a painting. I hear my conscience become very judgmental in what I dislike and what I find interesting. Quite often this painting reminds me of my first experience of being rejected and critiqued. I became well aware of the fact that to break a mold and create a new movement one has to forget about critics-and even the best critic- yourself.

On the other hand , I find myself fascinated by the complex combinations of color patterns expressed in a single brush stroke. I lean more and more towards applying paint strokes as system of short light flashed that in the end communicate the content of a message . In many ways the paint application derives from my genetics, the system in which I was created from at birth-that no other carries. It is this code which is expressed on the surface of the canvas, the fingerprint of my personality.

3) If it was not for art I would be………..?

A beer making monk.

Do you have any artistic relatives? if so what do they do?

I see my family as people who are unique and vibrant people. Their styles of communication is very flamboyant and dramatic, almost as if they were in theater. Overall, my Grandmother is into culinary arts.

Is music part of your creative process? What do you listen to most?

Yes, it plays an important factor in how my colors seem to explode and dance across the canvas. In many ways the symphony of music relates to my personal method of applying color, its put in order and meshed together to create balance and rhythm . For example, composers create symphonies that add and expand harmonic vocabulary to create romantic music. I love Jazz samba. However, my favorite musicians are: Luiz Bonfa, Duke Elington and Stan Getz.

What food most reminds you of home?

Tamales and Chicken soup. And yes, beans and rice. Most of all -mole! (P.s. someone could poison me with mole and I would even take notice.)

When you are with family do speak mostly in english or espanol?

65/35

What do you think could help raise the profile of young Latino artists here in America?

Hard work, Perseverance, bullet proof faith, Fiery passion, a large dose of love, and of course a good meal!

Is there a connection between Latino artists here in the US and those throughout the hemisphere?

I believe the need for bold forms and vibrant color has always been a trait in Latino culture and unity. There are many colorful and vibrant painted homes in Mexico.

I see it as that we are all connected. Visual language derived from the need to express self before words existed. Hence, the Paleolithic period when humankind gradually evolved and began to produce the earliest works of art and engage in religious and spiritual behavior.

Anybody you would like to thank or acknowledge?

I’d like to thank all the people who have made hateful and ignorant remarks of Latinos – I use that hate as fuel to feed the flame that breeds brilliance.

You can see more of Pedro De Valdivia’s arte at www.divinepainter.com

Antonio Pelayo

Antonio Pelayo is a product of two cultures, both influentially and emotionally, the land of myth and legend, Mexico where he was raised for several years and America, The country he was born in, let and had returned to with an outsider’s view on the world.

Ath the age of three he picked up a pencil and brought it to paper and a new universe was created for him to escape into.

Totally self-taught as an artist, Antonio feels the strongest connection to his art when he dose a portrait.

His work is intense and created by one single lead. Using a mechanical pencil he is able to draw great detail in his pieces. On some of his pieces he will spend hundreds of hours, thus achieving a photorealistic look. One word describes his work: “PAINSTAKING”

You can see Antonio Pelayo’s new arte at “Desmadre: Fresh Latino Perspectives“.

Antonio Pelayo

Where are you from? What is your heritage?

I was born in Glendale California… Mexican heritage

What is the medium that you most commonly work in?

Pencil

Luna de miel

What tends to inspire you and your work?

Life, people, movies, art, but what inspires me the most is peoples reaction to good art

If it was not for art I would be………..?

a business owner

Do you have any artistic relatives? if so what do they do?

Yes! My father, sister, and several uncles are musicians/composers

Is music part of your creative process? What do you listen to most?

yes! absolutely, i listen to classical music for the most part, sometimes a lil mariachi, gypsi kings

What food most reminds you of home?

Tamales, tacos, enchiladas

When you are with family do speak mostly in english or espanol?

español

What do you think could help raise the profile of young Latino artists here in America?

Hard work, what you put into your art will come back to you ten fold….

Is there a connection between Latino artists here in the US and those throughout the hemisphere?

I think there is, where we go… we take that connection with us

Anybody you would like to thank or acknowledge?

the list is very long…but i would start with my parents who gave me freedom to do what ever i wanted to do as far as art. Ralph Guzman whos introduction to his friends got my art career going. Graffiti artist Retna, Magu, David Flury, Dan Madigan, Chris B, Ted Mendenhall. To all of YOU that are giving us artists opportunities!!!

Flight of Santo

You can see more of Antonio Pelayo’s arte at www.antoniopelayo.com

Manuel Rios

My work is linked to my political activism, the majority of it having to do with perceptions of immigration. Much of my early work was done in the tradition of the Royal Chicano Air Force (R.C.A.F.), who are a Sacramento based Chicano art collective that formed in the late 60s. Their political protest silkscreen posters inspired me to follow their footsteps and produce my own silkscreen prints which were used in immigration rights marches. Currently I’m venturing into mixed media installation and sculpture. Unlike my political posters my mixed media pieces are not blunt. Although the mixed media work is driven by my political philosophy, the goal is not to make the viewer agree or disagree with my ideas, but rather connect their own experiences with the work. Manuel Rios’ work can be seen at “Desmadre: Fresh Latino Perspectives” May 14th at Virmillion Gallery Seattle.

Manuel Rios

Where are you from? What is your heritage?

I was born in San Jose, California, but grew up in Hollister, California. I identify myself as a Chicano.

What is the medium that you most commonly work in?

I have a background in printmaking which is included in many of my mixed media work as well.

What tends to inspire you and your work?

I’m inspired by the spirit of people who have all odds against them yet still find the heart to fight on.

If it was not for art I would be………..?

If I wasn’t an artist I’d probably be a high school history teacher as well as a basketball coach.

Do you have any artistic relatives? If so what do they do?

Most of my family can draw, but I was the one who was more interested in the content of work rather than the design alone.

Is music part of your creative process? What do you listen to most?

I can’t explain how inspirational music can be when I’m in the studio! It ranges from Hip-Hop to Folk music. If I had to choose one artist to get me through a week in the studio it would be Bob Dylan, hands down.

What food most reminds you of home?

Homemade tortillas are home for me. So much that I forced my mom to teach me how to make them before I left to college in 1998 because I couldn’t stand store tortillas.

When you are with family do you speak mostly in English or Espanol?

I only speak English because that’s all I really understand. Once and a while I understand a sentence or too of Spanish, then I think I’m all bad.

What do you think could help raise the profile of young Latino artists here in America?

I believe that Chicano/Latino artist could benefit ourselves if we stop promoting the stereotypes of who a Chicano/Latino is. Lowriders and cholos are cool and all, and they are part of our culture, but that’s not all we are.

Is there a connection between Latino artists here in the US and those throughout the hemisphere?

I believe that there is a connection between all Latinos, this is obvious. But what is less obvious is the fact that all people of the world have a connection. For example, the immigrants in the U.S. have many of the same odds against them as the immigrants in France.

Anybody you would like to thank or acknowledge?

I would like to acknowledge my Mom, Estella Rios, and my Dad, Jose Rios for being great roll models and always reminding me who I was and never letting me forget where I came from. I’d also like to acknowledge my late great teacher Ricardo Favela for treating me as a peer, and my art history professor Elaine O’Brien for opening my mind to other artistic possibilities.

See more of Manuel Rios’ work at www.manuelfernandorios.com

Jeaneen Carlino

Jeaneen Carlino will be showing her art at “Desmadre: Fresh Latino Perspectives” May 14th Virmillion Gallery Seattle.

Jeaneen Carlino is a Los Angeles based artist who graduated from Art Center College of Design in 2007. Her artwork effortlessly harmonizes fantastical daydreams conjured through personal experiences intriguing to her. The female figure is an integral re-occurring subject in her work. These women deeply resonate with their audience via their strong enigmatic yet simultaneously serene attributes, which challenge the mind through their inner and ideal beauty. Jeaneen attempts to present an environment that will visually stimulate and excite the viewer through her self expression and love for bringing beautiful imagery to life. She is also inspired by Mexican motifs, traditional Indian and African art, mosaic textiles, geometric patterns and vibrant colors. Her work is influenced by the juxtaposition of natural images occurring within the urban landscape. She also enjoys creating stencils and incorporating them into her work, along with collaging scraps ranging from incense packaging to trash that she collects at random.

Where are you from? What is your heritage?

I am from Los Angeles, Ca. I am Mexican, Spanish and Italian.

What is the medium that you most commonly work in?

My mediums vary. But I really enjoy using acrylics, color pencils, graphite, spray paint and gold/silverleaf. I like to mix mediums together a lot.

What tends to inspire you and your work?

My work seems to evolve itself as I expand my interests. At the moment, I am inspired by vibrant cultural motifs, native women, fashion, decorative jewelry, geometric organic designs, indian miniatures, exotic animals, nature and flourescent colors. My goal is to give my women a strong individual identity within their fantastical, vivid landscape.

If it was not for art I would be………..?

If I wasn’t so absorbed in art, I’d probably have a more conventional lifestyle with much more consistency and money to spend. But loving art makes up for all that.

Is music part of your creative process? What do you listen to most?

Music is imperative to my creative process. I usually like listening to stuff that’s upbeat, like dub reggae, electro, indie, ambient, brazilian, hip hop, folk, jazz, ska and dance hall. Just to name a few…

What food most reminds you of home?

Chicken taquitos. It’s a common favorite food from my childhood.

When you are with family do you speak mostly in english or espanol?

I only speak English. My parents didn’t teach me Spanish. However, I’ve been surrounded by it all my life.

Ya Basta

What do you think could help raise the profile of young Latino artists here in America?

The only way to accomplish this is to focus on competing with yourself. As any contemporary artist, having an innovative and honest vision will naturally set you apart from others. Just tap into that special place that drives your spirit to create and you can’t fail.

Is there a connection between Latino artists here in the US and those throughout the hemisphere?

I suppose there could be. I think a persons region plays a huge role in their individual make up. However, we all exist in the same generation, so we can reciprocate inspiration through each other, connecting our creativity together unconsciously.

Anybody you would like to thank or acknowledge?

For sure. Thank you to my loved ones. Thank you to those that live their life with faith, meaning and purpose. Thank you to those that help shape my life journey. And thank you to those that take an interest in my artistic voice.

You can see more of Jeaneen Carlino’s work at http://jeaneencarlino.com/index.htm

Alejandro Diaz

Dallas based artist Alejandro Diaz

Alejandro Diaz

Alejandro Diaz

Where are you from? What is your heritage?

I was born in La Piedad, Michoacan, Mexico.

What is the medium you most commonly work with?

I’ve used acrylics, watercolors, spray paint, and anything I could get my hands on. I mostly use oils now and incorporate everything else, it just felt like the next step to use oils. I am always trying new things so I look forward to working with other mediums also.

What tends to inspire you and your work?

I can be inspired by anything. It just comes to me no matter if I am out with friends or just flipping through a magazine. It’s kind of a continuous thing for me. My inspiration can come from many things.

Is music part of your creative process? What do you listen to the most?

Music plays a big part. I always listen when I’m working. I usually listen to the same set of music for a show. I kind of think of it as my soundtrack for that event.

What food most reminds you of home?

I love Mexican food stands around town. There is a torta stand in La Piedad that I have to visit when I go back, and those places remind me of that.

When you are with family do you speak mostly English or Spanish?

I speak Spanish to my older family members and English with the younger ones.

La Cruz

What do you think you could help raise the profile of young Latino artist in America?

Having shows like this definitely helps. I think that helping people get there name out by any means will help also, you know. Trying to get young Latinos work out at any function I attend, and networking through blogs and websites.

Is there a connection between Latino artists here in the U. S. and those throughout the hemisphere?

I would say yes. Basically that is how I am apart of this show. I am still growing as an artist and can only hope to get to expand my connections with other artists around the globe.

Anybody you would like to thank or acknowledge?

I would like to acknowledge everyone’s hustle out here in Dallas for trying to make an actual art scene in the area. Without them I wouldn’t be where I’m at now. I would also like to thank my family and my crew.

El Coche

View More of Alejandro’s work at http://www.sourgrapes13.com/#/alejandrodiaz/4529546784