SELECTED SOLO EXHIBITIONS:
2011 "Weaving Ephemeral Elements," Evan Lurie Gallery, Indianapolis, IN
2004 Diaz Company Gallery, Atlanta, GA
2003 "Protegiendome," Provincial Center of Visual Arts, Matanzas, Cuba
2002 "Alarma," Provincial Center of Visual Arts, Matanzas, Cuba
2001 Hotel Arenas Doradas, Varadero, Cuba
1999 Hotel Melia, Varadero, Cuba
1998 Hotel Bella Costa, Varadero, Cuba
1990 Gallery Nueva Paz, Havana, Cuba
SELECTED GROUP EXHIBITIONS:
2010 "International Summer Group Show," Besharat Gallery
Curated by Mark Karelson of Mason Murer Fine Art, Atlanta, GA
2009 Trilogy Art Gallery, Atlanta, GA
2004 Naomy Silva Gallery, Atlanta, GA
N.Y. Art Festival, Miami, FL
2003 "Mis Cartas Para Elpidio," Bipersonal with Yampiel Baez
Provincial Center of Visual Arts, Matanzas, Cuba
2002 "El Paradigma y Las Nueces," Provincial Center of Visual Arts,
Matanzas, Cuba
"Paradisos Artificiales," Provincial Center of Visual Arts,
Matanzas, Cuba
"Salon Nacional de Dibujo," Provincial Center of Visual Arts,
Matanzas, Cuba
"Papeles de la Isla," Couturier Gallery, Los Angeles, CA
"Praxis," Center of Visual Arts, Matanzas, Cuba
"Mapa Conceptual," UNEAC Gallery, Matanzas, Cuba
"El Camino Mas Corto," Center for Development of Visual Arts,
Matanzas, Cuba
2001 "Pintores Cubanos," Gora Gallery, Montreal, QC, Canada
"Sin Titulo," Provincial Center of Visual Arts, Matanzas, Cuba
2000 "Reencuentros," 60th Anniversary of the School of Arts,
Matanzas, Cuba
"Otra Isla," Provincial Center of Visual Arts, Matanzas, Cuba
International Salon 2000, Varadero, Cuba
West-End Gallery with Lam Group, Hollywood, FL
"Salon de Paisaje," Gallery Arte, Sol y Mar, Varadero, Cuba
"La Consagracion de la Nada," Center of Visual Art Development,
Havana, Cuba
"El Camino Mas Corto," Provincial Gallery of Arts, Matanzas, Cuba
1999 "X Motivos," Puentes Group, Provincial Gallery of Arts,
Matanzas, Cuba
1998 "Mi Cabeza y Yo," National Colloquial of Plastic Arts of
Hermanos Saiz, Matanzas, Cuba
"Genesis," Provincial Salon Hermano Saiz, Matanzas, Cuba
"El Arte Cubano," Il National Salon of UNEAC, Matanzas, Cuba
"Nuestro Vino de Platano, Aunque Amargo, es Nuestro Vino,"
Cultural House Bonifacio Byrne, Matanzas, Cuba
"Puentes a la Luz," Center of Visual Arts, Matanzas, Cuba
1997 Landscape Salon, Galleria Arte Sol y Mar, Varadero, Cuba
1996 International Salon "Academia 96," Havana, Cuba
1995 Provincial Salon of Modern Art "Roberto Diago," Matanzas, Cuba
1990 National Salon of Modern Arts, Havana, Cuba
AWARDS AND PRIZES:
2004 Grand Prize, N.Y. Art Festival, Miami, FL
2002 Grand Prize, "Mapa Conceptual," Matanzas, Cuba
2000 Second Place, "Roberto Diago," Provincial Salon of Visual Arts,
Matanzas, Cuba
Honorable Mention, Landscape Salon, Varadero Art Gallery,
Varadero, Cuba
Grand Prize for the Landscape Exhibition, Galeria Arte Sol y Mar,
Varadero, Cuba
1998 Second Place, "Genesis," Hermanos Salon Saiz Association Art Gallery,
Havana, Cuba
1996 Grand Prize for the Landscape Exhibition, Galeria Arte Sol y Mar,
Varadero, Cuba
1995 Honors Graduation from the National School of Arts, Havana, Cuba
BIOGRAPHY:
1999 La Aurora Magazine, Volume 1, article and photos, 51-52.
2004 IFQ Magazine, Vol. 6, article and photo, page 55.
IFQ Magazine, Vol. 7, Grand Prize photo, page 59.
Press Release, Naomi Silva Gallery Review.
ARTIST STATEMENT:
My works have been the result of my inspiration regarding my life experiences. My creations and ideas are the combination of universal problems and the reflection of certain established ideas that I have witnessed. Early works were inspired from the political and social circumstances that exist in my homeland, Cuba.
Upon arrival in the United States, I experienced new responsibilities with my surroundings. This changed my world-view and the target of my works: seeing Earth and all its life forms integrated, and as one. It is inspired by wisdom and philosophy throughout the ages, projecting into the future, and expressing the responsibility of now.
Individuals' positive actions become collective achievement. Understanding this, I use the canvas platform to transmit today's needs, positively. Using universal laws in the realization process of my art, I build the stretcher, stretch and prime the canvas, then start and finish each work on the waning moon. This is like my father and his ancestors have done in their harvesting. It is my way of planting an idea and completing it, working with the universal forces and laws, organically.
My works are an answer to my own appreciation of Earth's needs. I reconstruct iconic images that represent both classic and modern times from all branches of human development, including the arts, politics, science, education, and military. I create this by changing the context of the initial forms into ecological, fragile, ephemeral, and natural elements; leaves, weaving, feathers, and other elements formed in nature. With each element carefully constructed, I create an image.
These basic, earthly elements are readily available. They are sincere, yet complex in their simplicity. The intricate patterns and details in the paintings show the fulfillment that we find in basic organic elements; on how we are all interconnected with each other, on a spiritual and physical level. The past influences the present and the present influences the future. We need each other to evolve with the universe. I want to fill the connection of nature in my works.
In this manner, the paintings act in the viewers' consciences, creating a reflection in the way in which people absorb my art. Remaking classic images, such as an historic moment or icon that is well known, while changing the whole concept, transmits a fresh and direct message: to create casual images in a unique peaceful piece.
For my continuous comprehension of the world, I have the need to continue creating in hopes of benefitting civilization while being responsible with my message in current times. I still find myself in each painting and I am aware of creating a necessary message: which is to be conscious of living, critical thinking, and feeling art.
- Alexi Torres -
EDUCATION:
1991-1995 National School of Arts, Havana, Cuba
1989-1991 Elemental School of Modern Art, Matanzas, Cuba