Interview
Alex Gallardo
Alex has been creating art for many years, going back to his time at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York. While at the Institute, he studied under the wings of such noted professors as Barbara Hanlon, George Rizzo, and Christopher Spollen.
Alex has a degree in graphic illustration and fine art from the same Institute. He also studied briefly at the Borough of Manhattan Community College. While at Medgar Evers College, Alex studied graphic illustrations and had the opportunity with Anton Miles to work as a student assistant for Danish artist Hanne Lauridsen.
Alex studied at the Art Students League under the guidance of Wendy Shalen, Robert Cenedella, Oldrich Teply, Ken McIndoe, to name a few. He has done two painting student exhibitions with the Art Students League with Ken McIndoe’s class and Wendy Shalen.
What is your background and how did you start your journey in the art world?
“I currently live in New York City, and I’m basically a Queens boy. I’m a Latino from Guayaquil, Ecuador. My journey started when I began watching cartoons. That was my first introduction to the arts. I also found these cartoons educational.”
What inspires you most?
“I get inspired when I see things in my everyday life that move me. If I watch a concert or a TV show that moves me, I feel I need to share that vision. My work speaks of why I love what I do. I love the arts and it has been my drug of choice. The love of creating art is my joy. I also feel I need to share my talent with the world.”
“I recently began painting Olympic athletes. I feel the athletes channeling through my body and spirit. I feel their strengths, weaknesses and power, and I try to express this.”
What themes do you pursue? Is there an underlying message in your work?
“The only message is that I love creating anything that moves me. When I work with my models, I feel moved by them, and they give me feedback. Sometimes I feel like I’m giving birth in my brain, and want to give something to people so that they also feel moved.
For example, if I see a favorite musician like Jimi Hendrix or Terry Kath, both great rock guitarists, holding their instruments with confidence and knowing their craft, I feel inspired to create an artwork that says I love music.”
Which artists influence you most?
“There have been a number of artists who have inspired me. I love the work of Norman Rockwell and his realism. He is like a folk art type artist. I admire his technique, and although sometimes I wish I had his technique, I realize I can only be Alex.
I do some pop art inspired by Andy Warhol. My mentors, who may not be household names, include Anthony Cappaleri, a sports artist. He was my professor at the Fashion Institute of Technology during the 1990’s. Robert Cenedella (‘Art Bastard’) who was my instructor at the Art Students League has also greatly influenced me. I have learned so much from these gentlemen.
I also love Alice Neel and her classic artistic nudes, and Margaret Keane’s Big Eyes creation.”
How would you describe your work?
“I wake up in the morning and begin to research my photo references to find something I can begin to work on. At other times, I take pictures of people on the streets and buildings and subways and go home to sketch them.”
What is your creative process like?
“I collect photos for reference and condition my head to feel the muse. When I have a female or male model pose for me, I expect them to give me some feeling and strength and vulnerability—something that reflects why God gave them this gift.”
What is an artist’s role in society and how do you see that evolving?
“As artists, we grow as we create our craft. There is some satisfaction when we create and produce something that the viewers love and that moves them.”
Have you had any noteworthy exhibitions you'd like to share?
“I loved exhibiting at the Art Students League mainly because its a place where any artist can display their work. I also find the recent Alice Neel Exhibition noteworthy. You can learn techniques from an artist like that, which can help you evolve as an artist.”
Website: gallardoalex942.wixsite.com
Instagram: @regeralex
