Viajero Art

GALLERY HOUSE - Reclaiming Space Exhibition

2010-06-26T17:22:00.000-07:00

If you missed my Open Studio event displaying "Caja De La Memoria Viva" last month ... IT WILL BE ON DISPLAY HERE for the months of July and August.
I will be traveling in Cuba for the first opening on July 9th but I will be there for all other openings after.
Come check it out!!

GALLERY HOUSE IS PROUD TO PRESENT “Reclaiming Space” (Fine Art Group Exhibition)

Opening Receptions: July 9, July 22, August 5, and August 21 and by appointment

4 original paintings will be raffled off with the proceeds donated to GreenEdgeNYC

Brooklyn, NY: Gallery House is proud to present “Reclaiming Space”, a fine art group exhibition. This exhibition showcasing the multitude of languages in which NYC artwork speaks today. Although the artist’s styles differ in form, they all share the function of communication. In that spirit, we are delighted to work with Green Edge Collaborative NYC whose goal of sharing ideas aligns with our own.

Four receptions will be held. During which, one original painting will be raffled off with the proceeds donated to Green Edge Collaborative NYC. The gallery will be open by appointment from July 5^th – August 31st, 2010.

Artists:
Mat Benote
Jenna Bonistalli
Clark Clark
Ivy Haldeman
Charles Printz Kopelson
Jonathan Levy
Tom Long
Adrian Roman
Jordan Seiler
Kant Smith

What: Gallery House Presents “Reclaiming Space”

When: Friday July 9, Thursday July 22, Thursday August 5, and Saturday August 21, 2010 from 7:30pm – 12:00pm

Where: Gallery House, 272 Clinton Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11205

About Gallery House
Galley House is a Clinton Hill based organization dedicated to the sharing of ideas pressing our world today. Through our hosted receptions, we aim to gather and communicate ideas through art, music and other types of artistic expression. For more information, visit us at www.galleryhouse.org.

About Green Edge
Green Edge Collaborative NYC is a social network that connects people with businesses, organizations and the resources they need to build a sustainable future. They do this by hosting city-wide and neighborhood events, highlighting other events in the city and through online networking.

The Collaborative is comprised of students, professionals, artists, chefs, parents and mischief-makers who want to connect with others about social, environmental, economic and lifestyle issues facing our world today… New Yorkers who care about the world around us.

Life After Death: The Persona That Was/Is Fela Anikulapo Kuti Exhibition

2010-06-02T18:18:00.000-07:00

Life After Death: An Analysis of the Persona that Was/Is Fela Anikulapo Kuti Exhibition

Presented by: Caribbean Cultural Center African Diaspora Institute

Opening Reception: June 10, 6 – 9 p.m. w DJ Lumumba bka Revolution
On View: June 11 – August 6, 2010

Date:	Thursday, June 10, 2010
Time:	6:00pm - 9:30pm
Location:	Caribbean Cultural Center African Diaspora Institute
Street:	408 W. 58th Street
City/Town:	New York, NY

Featuring the work of:
Gafar Ayandokun
Frances Bradley
Hebru Brantley
Isoje Chou
Michael Cordero
Paul Deo
Don Fela Ford
Cassi Amanda Gibson
Tosha Grantham
Dexter Jones
Aaqil Ka
Amanda M. Adams Louis
Tayo Ogunbiyi
Fahamu Pecou
Adrian Viajero Roman
Monique Schubert
Malik Seneferu
Diseye Tantua
Wahala Temi
Atiim Turnbull
Aniekan Udofia
The Santana Group: Marilyn Nance, Al Santana, Ali Santana & Rafia Santana

Curated by: Shantrelle P. Lewis

This exhibition seeks to pay tribute to one of the African Diaspora’s most influential living ancestors as well as critique the complexity of his persona. Life After Death: A Multi-Media Analysis of the Persona that Was/Is Fela Anikulapo Kuti is a visual homage to a musical genius and perhaps one of contemporary history’s most powerful protest artists.

Also including never before seen photography of Fela in '77 during FESTAC and at the Shrine with individuals such as Haki Madhubiti shot by Marilyn Nance.

Public Programming:
6.19 Center Saturdays: Music No Get Enemy | 1 p.m.
6.20 Fela’s Funk and Trunk Shopping Extravaganza | 3 – 8 p.m.
6.29 Artist Talk | 6:30 p.m.
7.18 Gallery Tour and FELA! On Broadway |
7.20 Film Screening: Music is the Weapon | 6: 30 p.m.

Our Marketing and Programmatic Partners include:
FELA! on Broadway and Society HAE

Fore More Information:
Caribbean Cultural Center African Diasporan Institute (CCCADI): 212.307.7420 | www.cccadi.org
RSVP – slewis@cccadi.org or 212.307.7420 ext. 2008

*"Differen differen ii' fever" by Diseye Tantua

La Caja De La Memoria Viva!

2010-05-05T11:43:00.000-07:00

Viajero Studio Visit from MVMT on Vimeo.

COME CHECK OUT WHAT VIAJERO HAS BEEN WORKING ON!!!!
As well as other artist studios open to the public.

The perfect ingredients to an unforgettable evening!
1. NEW VIAJERO ART
2. DRINKS
3. FOOD

Introducing a new Interactive Installation piece!

The name of my new piece is "La Caja De La Memoria Viva" (The Living Memory Box).
This piece will be a truly unique experience! It will be broken into two parts.

FIRST PART:
Represented as a 4ft squared suspended cube, I'm inviting you to enter the mind and experience the memories of Don Antonio Hernandez Vicente. Simultaneously making his memories yours.

SECOND PART:
I invite people to sign up ON THESE 2 DAYS ONLY to participate in the second part of this piece. The second part will require 5 minutes of your personal time and will be incorporated in Part 2.
I have a limited number of people I can work with to make this second part of the project, so if you're interested in participating ... please come to the Open Studio one of the two days.

I hope to see most of you there! I WON'T MISS IT IF I WERE YOU!

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NARS FOUNDATION OPEN STUDIO EVENT (Viajero participating)

Saturday May 15th 11am-6pm (Opening Reception Party 6-9)
Sunday May 16th 11am-6pm

253 36th street between 2nd & 3rd ave
(3rd Floor)
Brooklyn NY 11219

Directions:
Train: Express D or N trains to 36th street stop (15mins from Union Square Station)

Driving: BQE Westbound to 38th street Exit
Turn Right on 2nd ave
Turn Right on 35th st.
Turn Right on 36th st. (253 36th street)
OR
BQE Westbound to Exit 26 Hamilton Ave
Continue onto 3rd ave
Turn Right on 36th street (253 36th st)

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Please contact me if you have any questions!

Viajero Art mentions in various articles about the G40 Art Summit

2010-03-16T07:23:00.000-07:00

Juxtapoz Art & Culture Magazine
"Jaw dropping installation by Adrian ‘Viajero” Roman. Incredible talent"

Washington City Paper
"Puerto Rico’s Adrian Viajero Roman built an installation reminiscent of his grandmother’s house."

Washington Post
"At the same time, it's nice to see an installation like Adrian "Viajero" Roman's. The Brooklyn-born Latino artist has created a wall-size environment, above, inspired by memories of the shabby comforts of his grandmother's house in Puerto Rico, which he often visited as a child."

G40 Art Summit

2010-02-16T19:43:00.000-08:00

A dynamic contemporary art exhibition featuring curated works from artists around the world on display for a full month, featuring musical and visual performances, lectures, live painting and much more!

Art Whino teams up with Crystal City BID and Vornado to present G-40: The Summit, a month long exhibition and event series featuring over 500 artists from around the world.
The mission of G40: The Summit is to bring the leaders of the New Brow genre together in Crystal City, VA in an effort to explore, discuss and grow this movement. G-40: The Summit will be a culmination of ideas and processes, brought together and highlighted by region and style, creating, for the first time, a full cross examination of this genre.
This event will feature 75,000sqft of exhibition space with 4 floors of art! Each floor will represent different hot hubs of the New Brow movement: The DC, New York, and California metro areas, plus one all encompassing floor for international and other regional artists. Visitors of G-40: The Summit will, for the first time, be able to experience entire floors showcasing artists from these regions, and because of this set up, connect the dots of how the different sub-cultures and environs affect the art. From the laid back California Style, to the fast paced New York way of living, the art will bring a fresh visual perspective that words cannot provide. With all the different styles in one place the New Brow movement, now growing and expanding worldwide, will be more comprehensible to the viewer, finally defining the line between the movement’s beginnings to its future. A movement that currently exists without much literature or founding in “traditional” institutions, yet includes some of the most highly recognizable and sought after art in the world, will inevitably become a major player in the intellectual and mainstream art world.
Each floor will have 10-30 “Showcased artists” who will activate the space with murals and installations, helping to set the mood for their region. In addition to the showcased artists we will have an additional 50-100 region specific artists exhibited on each floor. The show will run up for a month. During the month there will be musical and visual performances, lectures, and more. Also we will feature various art related groups and non-profits, helping to promote their mission and inspire ongoing conversations about the New Brow art world in DC and beyond.

Floors:

1 – Show information / performance area / Non Profit display / mixed use
5 – New York metro area artists
6 – Washington DC metro area artists
7 – California artists
8 – All Encompassing

Event Schedule:
Show Month: March 2010
Open Hours: Wednesdays & Thursdays: 5 – 10pm,
Fridays & Saturdays: 12pm – 12am
Sundays: 12pm – 6pm
Mondays & Tuesdays: Closed

Event Locations

223 23rd St. Arlington, VA 22202

Metro Accessible and pleny of parking
For more info go to: http://crystalcity.org/accessible/parking

Viajero Interviews for 2010

2010-02-16T18:13:00.000-08:00

This past December 2009 I had the pleasure of meeting Jennifer Lindsay Sullivan founder of The Art Trade Inc. at Art Basel Miami. With my installation as a backdrop, they conducted an interview for their website encouraging artist collaboration and online networking.

Check out the links to the videos here:

- INTRO: www.thearttrade.com/index.php

- ART BASEL/ART WHINO: www.thearttrade.com/video_gallery.php

To kick off 2010 I was interviewed in my art studio by American Latino TV/LATINATION TV for one of their 2010 television segments. It has already aired but the re-run will air sometime in June. Keep on the look out!

Sundays on UPN 9 @ 4pm-5pm

Check out the LATINATION website for any additional info: http://www.latination.tv/whatson

VES-SEL A Celebration Of American History

2010-01-11T13:54:00.000-08:00

I will be participating in an amazing group show curated by Kenya Robinson during Black Heritage Month at The Brennan Gallery in Jersey City.

February 2 - February 26
6pm-8pm
Justice William Brennan Court House
583 Newark Ave.
Jersey City, NJ 07306

The Brennan Gallery is located between Baldwin & Summit Ave.
Walking distance from the Journal Square PATH Station
Open Monday-Friday
9am-6pm

ves·sel a celebration of american history

A fusion of both literal and metaphorical interpretations of ‘container’, ‘ship’, ‘body’ and ‘blood’, ves·sel seeks to emphasize American-ness of Black History. Curated by Kenya (Robinson) and aptly represented by two dimensional, sculptural, and time based works, this exhibition acknowledges the history that is often obscured by the journey forward. On view at the historic Brennan Gallery (Jersey City, NJ) from February 2, 2009 - February 23, 2010, Visitors are invited to consider the composition and contents of various “containers” whether they are assigned or self imposed, actual or imagined.

ves·sel will host works from artists in a range of media that create and investigate vessels in a variety of forms, and connect to the particular history of African-Americans. “To be sure, this experiment, called the United States of America begins on a vessel. It is a maritime tale of adventurers and refugees alike- each individual imagining a life different from before. This sense of impending difference was no more evident than in the case of enslaved Africans and their horrific journey across the seas,” said curator (Robinson). Artists to show in the gallery collection include Aaron Gilbert, Adrian Roman, Becca Albee, Cornrow Rider, Deana Lawson, Elia Alba, Erika Ranee, Eto Otitigbe, Jace Clayton, Jeff Sims, Jorge Rojas, Michael Paul Britto, Robert Pruitt, Simone Leigh, Wura-Natasha Ogunji, and Zachary Fabri.

The opening is scheduled for Tuesday, February 2, 2009 from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. and will feature African drumming as an interactive performance (Jorge Rojas), as well as event specific presentations by Zachary Fabri and Eto Otitigbe.

The Brennan Gallery is located in the Theodore Conrad Rotunda in the Justice Brennan Court House, at 583 Newark Avenue, Jersey City, open from 9 a.m. – 6 p.m., Monday through Friday. The building is fully wheelchair accessible.

This exhibit is made possible by funds from the Hudson County Office of Cultural & Heritage Affairs/Tourism Development, Thomas A. DeGise, Hudson County Executive, and the Hudson County Board of Chosen Freeholders.

History is the ship carrying living memories to the future.
- Sir Stephen Spender

To be sure, this experiment, called the United States of America begins on a vessel. It is a maritime tale of adventurers and refugees alike- each individual imagining a life different from before. This sense of impending difference was no more evident than in the case of enslaved Africans and their horrific journey across the seas…

There's a little bit of heaven in that muddy road to freedom | Follow the drinkin' gourd | Step by step keep a'travelin' on | Follow the drinkin' gourd
- American Folk Song

As Africans lent their bodies to the building of a nation, bloodlines fused and created a physical sense of American-ness that continues to be the product of human complexities. The drinking gourd was now more than a vessel; it was a road map to freedom. Black bodies, which were never simply vessels of work, became the possessors of dreams, intellect, desire and culture.

ves·sel is a fusion of both literal and metaphorical interpretations of ‘container’, ‘ship’, ‘body’ and ‘blood’. Aptly represented by two dimensional, sculptural, and time based works, this exhibition is an attempt to acknowledge the history that is often obscured by the journey forward.

If my ship sails from sight, it doesn't mean my journey ends; it simply means the river bends.
- John Enoch Powell

Art Basel Miami 2009

2009-12-22T11:31:00.000-08:00

Art Basel was dope! Had a wonderful experience.
2010 will be a very busy year!!!

ART BASEL MIAMI 2009

2009-10-29T10:02:00.001-07:00

Art Whino, a prominent pop-surrealist and urban contemporary art gallery presents ART WHINO: MIAMI.

ART WHINO: MIAMI will be an innovative New Brow exhibition, complete with receptions and musical performances that will heighten the experience beyond the typical art show. Art from two separate traveling exhibitions, LIFE ESSENTIALS and OLD SKOOLIN’ will be brought together in Miami for the first time. This landmark multi-city, comprehensive exhibition will bring together the best of both traditionally trained and urban street art styles, helping to more define this era in contemporary art and set the bar even higher for the direction of art today. This combined show will highlight both music and art that spans the spectrum of current trends, and will be accompanied by installations and auxiliary exhibitions featuring live painting by several Art Whino artists.

Art Whino has also teamed up with Urbanite Bistro to host a special all day event Thursday, December 3rd in the outdoor garden space of Urbanite Bistro, featuring several Art Whino artists painting live, with performances by ESL Music record label artists. Artists will also showcase some of their newest works inside the restaurant for the entire of the month of December.

Outside of Urbanite Bistro, on several surrounding buildings, Primary Flight: The world’s largest site-specific street level mural installation will be taking place throughout the week. For more information visit http://primaryflight.com/blog/

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Event Locations: Main Exhibit Charcoal Studios
Across from the Street From Scope
2135 NW 1st AVE Miami, FL 33127

2nd Location Urbanite Bistro
One block from Pulse
62 NE 14th Street Miami, FL 33132

Final Times to be Confirmed

VIP and Press Preview Reception
Wednesday Dec 2nd
Charcoal Studios 7:00 p.m.– 10:00 p.m.

Outdoor Live Painting and Concert
Thursday Dec 3rd
Urbanite Bistro and Outdoor Area
Noon – 11pm ~ Live painting event at Urbanite Bistro
10am – 6pm ~ Charcoal Studio location Open to the Public

Reception with performance by Ursula 1000(to be confirmed)
Friday Dec 4th
Charcoal Studios
10am – 6pm ~ Exhibition Open to the Public
9pm ~ Midnight - Public Reception
$30 Admission which includes complimentary food samplings by Urbanite Bistro and complimentary beverages by XXXXX, XXXXX and XXXX

Saturday Reception with performance by Ancient Astronauts (to be confirmed)
Saturday Dec 5th
Charcoal Studios
10am – 6pm ~ Exhibition Open to the Public
9pm ~ Midnight - Public Reception $30 Admission which includes complimentary food samplings by Urbanista Bistro and complimentary beverages by XXXXX, XXXXX and XXXX

Sunday Dec 6th Charcoal Studios 10am – 6pm ~ Exhibition Open to the Public

Purchase Tickets here: XXXXXXXXX
Press please email shane@artwhino.com for full access to the show.

Exhibit HOURS at Charcoal Studios
Wednesday, December 2nd 10am - 3pm
Thursday, December 3nd 10am - 6pm
Friday, December 4th 10am - 6pm
Saturday, December 5th 10am - 6pm
Sunday, December 6th 10am - 5pm

Exhibit HOURS at Urbanite Bistro
Wednesday, December 2nd 10am - 3pm
Thursday, December 3nd 10am - 6pm
Friday, December 4th 10am - 6pm
Saturday, December 5th 10am - 6pm
Sunday, December 6th 10am - 5pm

Art Whino and WHALER’s Creation present “Old Skoolin’ for the Children”

2009-10-11T18:10:00.000-07:00

Art Whino and WHALER’s Creation present “Old Skoolin’ for the Children,” a four city concert and art show tour that brings together the best visual and musical artists to benefit programs that support foster care and adoption programs. Legendary founder of the hip-hop movement Darryl “DMC” McDaniels of Run-DMC will perform old skool, throw back shows true to the roots of the genre. Over 100 of Art Whino’s internationally renowned talents from the underground street art world will be showcasing their old school, 80's themed creations. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Event Location: The Portals Theater 1236 Maryland Ave, SW Washington, DC 20024 Saturday, Nov 7th, from 6pm – 12pm $25 advance tickets, $35 at the door - Non Profit Donation Entry Fee Exhibit featuring work by 100+ Art Whino Artists Show Run Date: 1 Day so don't Miss it! Art Installation by AM RADIO Special musical performance by:Darryl “DMC” McDaniels of Run-DMC.

LA JUNTA presented by Caribbean Culture Center African Diaspora Institute and La Menta Collective

2009-10-11T17:45:00.000-07:00

"LA JUNTA" presented by Caribbean Culture Center African Diaspora Institute and La Menta Collective

Tuesday, November 10, 2009
6:30pm - 8:30pm
408 West 58th Street (btwn 9th and 10th Avenue)

The Caribbean Culture Center and La Menta Collective invite you to an evening of poetry, literature, visual art, music and dance. The CCCADI is a not for profit cultural organization based in New York City dedicated to promoting and promulgating the cultures of people of African Descent brought before and after the Transatlantic Slave Trade.

La Menta Collective provides an avenue for artistic growth through regular exhibitions, readings and performances that we call juntas, an online presence, and involvement in various events in all the arts. We strive to provide ourselves and other artists with a salon to network, collaborate, publicize and share opportunities.

HACIA AFUERA

2009-08-12T15:19:00.000-07:00

ART FOR CHANGE presents HACIA AFUERA Taking Back Our Streets Through the Arts!
August 22 & 23 (Sat-Sun), 12-5pm 104 St & Lexington Ave FREE Outdoor Art & Music Festival (rain or shine)

Art for Change presents Hacia Afuera, a weekend-long festival celebrating food, music, performance, and public art. The festival will take place in Spanish Harlem’s streets and public community spaces and is being produced in partnership with local arts and social justice organizations.

Art by: Ale Bara + China Yon, Dan Cordani, Roberto De Jesus, Michael De Feo, Cacy Forgenie, Carlos Martinez, Louis Nieves, Heather O’Brien, Sarah Olson, Tara Parsons, Adrian ‘Viajero’ Roman, Alex White Mazzarella. With live painting by Manny Vega and mural by David Hernaiz.

Live Performance by: Ben Carroll, Exit She Calls, Lily Vasquez, The Rude Mechanical Orchestra. With music by DJ Cut Bird. PLUS: Storytelling by Bobby Gonzalez, Open Mic, Mural-making, Graffiti Demo, Video Screenings, Yoga, Belly Dancing, Creative Workshops (Percussion, Scrapbook, T-shirt making, Knitting, Arts and Crafts for kids) and Esperanza Del Barrio street vendors.

For event details and program schedule: visit artforchange.org
For more information on AFC: call 212 348 7044 or email info@artforchange.org

Camaradas 5th Year Anniversary LIVE ART Event

2009-08-11T11:10:00.000-07:00

Viajero, Osvaldo Martinez & Wanda Ortiz kicked off the Camaradas El Barrio 5th year anniversary celebration with a LIVE ART event.

PHOTOS COMING SOON!

Featured in Latin Star Magazine

2009-07-12T20:39:00.000-07:00

'Viajero' Adrian Roman on a Cultural Journey Through Life

by Jani Rosado

'Viajero' Adrian Roman on a Cultural Journey Through Life El “Viajero” takes us on a creative journey, straight to the backbone and heartbeat of the Latin culture. We smile knowingly, smell and taste the tobacco in the air as we lay eyes upon “Las Madrinas”, we can be sure that through their bodies may be wizened their minds are sharp and ready with words of advice or spiritual guidance.Upon viewing his sun baked campesinos, we are reminded of the arduous labor of those upon whose backs the sugar plantations rest. One elderly man sits on a curb lighting a cigarillo in rumpled clothes and a wide brim hat, his only protection from the brutal heat that beats his frame.All around him are bags full of this days take from the field or orchard, perhaps full of quenepas to take back home to the children or sell for a modest profit and some loaves of bread for tomorrow morning’s desayuno. Despite the hard times, there's a deep joy and sense of hope that comes from the earth and rises up into the people. Adrian 'Viajero' Roman illustrates this with a depth and dimension that transports his viewer to the myriad of moments spent with their elders. It is a testament to his talent that though his work may be of specific people, they all feel like someone whom we have known. If his protagonist doesn’t remind you of someone in your family, she’s la vecina, Doña Fulana de Tal or el frutero who even when times were tough made sure that the neighborhood children got their share of sweets regardless of their ability to pay. The term itself, “Viajero” translates as “traveler” and it evolved from one of his caricatures into the philosophy of his work. It is a representation of the journey which we travel throughout our lives. His creative purpose is to carry the consciousness of timeless being, in the midst of a time-bound experience.

Born in New York City during the heat wave of 1977, to parent’s of Puerto Rican heritage he enjoyed many summers and holidays returning with family to the island where he was infused with a great love of the foundational identity and history of the people. Naturally inclined towards art at an early age, he absorbed the creativity around him and began building his repertoire. Simple things like his mother’s doodles on the faces in the newspaper and his grandfather’s painted landscapes of his beloved beaches on whole coconut shells influenced what art is to him. His formal training began at the age of 12, when he earned a grant to study at the prestigious Pratt Institute in New York City. Tireless is his quest to learn more and be more, he attended classes at the Art Students League NYC, received a degree in Fine Arts from the New World School of Arts in Miami, Florida and continued on to the New York Institute of Technology to study graphic design. His extensive education and inherent know-how allowed him to be a proficient art director and graphic designer, having garnered him work with Jack Daniels, GMAC, and Heavy Inc. His passion lay in his own personal creations and it didn’t take long for him to launch his career as a freelance artist.

Viajeros most recent exhibit, at Camaradas El Barrio in Spanish Harlem brought the music of Yerbabuena and his art together to create a culturally fulfilling experience. His work can be seen in private collections and galleries in Puerto Rico and across the U.S. While his prices reach into the thousands, he participates in art festivals where he brings unique affordable art to the community. Viajero is an eclectic old soul with a love for antiquities. Vintage books, cameras, instruments, suitcases, picture frames, Latin album covers, old newspapers from Puerto Rico, letters, photos and many other little things that he began collecting to use in his art and became enamored with fill his home and studio. “I feel like it’s more than just a collection of old things, it’s a collection of time,” he muses adding, “One of my favorite things to collect is masks. I have masks from Puerto Rico, Africa, Mexico and Thailand.”

As with many visual artists he maintains that he can’t live without music. Once again his old soul is evident in the selections he has chosen for the soundtrack of his life; Miles Davis, members of Buena Vista Social Club, Nina Simone, Fela Kuti, members of Fania All-Stars and Bomba y Plena. These are the sounds that infuse each artful stroke with a soulful purpose. Music and art are so lovingly intertwined that an artist will often desire to make music and he is no exception. When asked for a fun fact he proclaims a desire to play the congas and that he is now in the process of learning to play the buleador, a drum used in traditional Bomba music. He becomes enthusiastic when discussing artists whom he admires. One of the great moments in his life was having met and been mentored by legendary artist Antonio Martorell. He shared his gift of storytelling with Roman as his own mentor, recently deceased, "Painter of the People" Rafael Tufiño, taught him many years earlier.

When asked of his process Roman says, “I think the most difficult part of the process is selecting a type of wood. I believe the wood has already been selected for me, I just have to find it. The grain is like a fingerprint, unique to each piece of artwork. I also like to use vintage objects to support the stories and reflect the feeling of timelessness in my pieces. I’m currently experimenting with creating visual art documentaries, meeting people through my travels and telling their life stories through my drawings, photography and installations.” Roman’s messages create connections and increases understanding both within and across communities and cultures of the importance of learning about our history. Those who waged the intense battles of survival are still visible in our elders. El Viajero’s work spiritually transcends space and location, moving in time to reveal their tales, which when they surface, translates to those looking for a connection with others around them.“I want my work to represent identity and culture and the impact it has in the reflection of a people" he expIains, "I want my pieces to say, ‘There is a presence here, sit and listen to the story.’”

ART WHINO - HEAVY HITTERZ Exhibit

2009-07-09T09:40:00.000-07:00

I will be participating in HEAVY HITTERZ: MARYLAND, an international group art exhibition featuring emerging artists from the Urban Contemporary and "Low Brow" art scene. This years Heavy Hitterz exhibit will be held at Art Whino Gallery in Maryland from July 25-August 15. Artists confirmed from Europe, South America, Philippines, Hong Kong...and all up and down the US. There is no doubt in my mind that this will be a great event not to be missed.

Check Out pics from the opening reception here!