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.