This Thursday in New York City, renowned painter and illustrator Alvaro will launch his new solo exhibit, which will showcase a raw range of his art. “I’m very excited about this because I’m going to be able to show people that it’s not just pretty things that I paint. These are my real paintings. These are not just illustrations that I’ve done for magazines or models and things, this is my more serious art,” he told So Booking Cool.
Alvaro started his career at 18-years-old, which would go on to span 37 years and counting. He has illustrated several books and has created classic pop, political, parody, and fashion art (his portraits include his friends Iman, Naomi Campbell, Cindy Crawford, and Linda Evangelista). His robust clientele includes everything from shows, private collectors, Giorgio Armani, The New York Times (his first feature), Calvin Klein, Vogue, and Bazaar to David Bowie and Mariah Carey, just to name a few. He is currently working on a piece in tribute to his all-time idol Harriet Tubman.
Alvaro, who grew up in the South Bronx, may have experienced bullying in his youth, but this did not deter him from believing in himself and chasing his dreams. He knew he would be successful and even carried around a portfolio with him. Alvaro knew he would meet his idol, legendary illustrator Antonio Lopez, and took the steps to make it happen and found a mentor, dear friend, and father figure all in one. What are the most important lessons Alvaro learned from Lopez? “To be kind, to respect people. To be chivalrous to women,” he answered.
Listen to part one of our must-listen interview with Alvaro, in which we chat about the unforgettable encounter he had with Andy Warhol, his thoughts on why some people do not open doors for others, versatility in art, cyber-bullying, such as stan wars, and more! For more information, follow Alvaro on Instagram.