Artist Name: Angela Alés

Artist Statement

I believe art is a calling. The ancient Greeks described happiness as: “The full use of one’s powers along lines of excellence,”. That’s why, since the dawn of history through our current times, we humans have stridently endeavored to leave our marks everywhere from primeval caves, to contemporary urban walls. We do so to record and reflect our social condition. Today, more than any time in recent memory, I find myself and my gender, threatened by corrupt politicians eagerly harnessing, fear of the unfamiliar, blatant racism and disinformation as tools of power. It is to confront and respond to these cancerous preconceptions that I find joy in giving full-throated voice to visually, and critically, chronicling these disjointed associations currently imposed from the wreckage of colonialism. As an insatiably inquisitive artist my studio practice has evolved from a profound immersion into experiencing spiritual and philosophical meaning in my life, as well as, recording the resulting transformations. My canvases communicate this ongoing journey.

Along the way recurrent symbols, icons and references to historical events such as “Slavery,” “Genocide,” and “Immigration,” have been the inspiration behind several new suites of paintings. Most recently, my socio-political experiences as a Latin American, immigrant, and female artist have come to the forefront of my inner dialogue and have coalesced as a central theme of my artistic voice. My aims are to speak truth to power as loud and clear as the nation we love and are forging together demands.

Bio

Angela Alés is an artist born in Barranquilla, Colombia, of Andalusian and Lebanese descent. Alés moved to the United States in 1984 and graduated from Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art, in New York City. She received her MFA from the Miami International University of Art and Design. She is a dedicated student of philosophies and world religions and her spirituality has emerged as central themes in her work. She has participated in over 30 collective and individual exhibitions in the US and Central and South America. She is also an accomplished Educator with 20 years of teaching experience. She specializes in teaching Drawing and Painting as well as preparing students for acceptance into top ranked Universities and Art Magnet Programs.

Western Avenue Studios

Artists • Studios • Lofts

Alés at Ales-Lores Studio

Alés at Ales-Lores Studio

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