Jose Alberto Maldonado, Europa, 2009, Acrylic, 28 x 43 inches, courtesy of the artist.
From Guatemala with love, this 28-year-old artist and photographer inaugurated his first art exhibition in New York City, whom he names “Tres Magnifique” is being held in the FX FOWLE Architects Gallery. The show mixes bright colors, mayan inspired drawings, surrealism, and human figures. Since the age of 23, Jose Alberto has been a painter but he mentions that as a child he was constantly drawing. It took two years for him to finally realize this show. Now the exhibition, which opened its doors January 14th, will be on view through March 12 2010. Whitewall spoke with Jose Alberto at the opening last week.
WHITEWALL: What can people expect from this show?
JOSE ALBERTO MALDONADO: The 13 paintings that are being exhibited are all full of colors and are influenced by the Mayan culture. All of them comprise the human figure in different aspects of life. For example, there is one that shows the 5 senses human beings have and there is another one which is called Galuchka which represents a person holding the sun with one hand.
WW: How did you get involved with the art scene?
JAM: Ever since I was a child, I was constantly drawing. It is something that has interested me all my life. Later on, I took some courses at the Savannah College of Arts for 6 months and after I moved to Florida where I discovered my passion for painting.
WW: What inspires you to paint?
JAM: Music. When I am working, I listen to Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin among others and I don´t have to draw a sketch to come up with my paintings. Also, I get inspired by Native American and African Art.
WW: Who are your favorite artists?
JAM: Picasso, Chagal, Dalí and Siqueiros.
WW: Where do you see you work in the future?
JAM: Actually, there are a couple of paintings from this Exhibition that are going to be showed at an independent movie that is going to be shot in Dominican Republic. I don´t know where I am going to be workwise, but I will continue painting and taking photographs and I also see myself becoming a cinematographer
