alexi torres

My works are an answer to my appreciation of humanity's needs. Individual's positive actions become collective achievement. Understanding this, I use the canvas platform to offer my vision of a spiritual healing. I reconstruct iconic images that represent both classic and modern times from all branches of human development; arts, politics, science, sports, education, military among others. I do this by changing the context of the initial forms into ecological, fragile, ephemeral and natural elements; leaves, weaving, feathers and other elements formed in nature. With each element carefully constructed, I create a new image.
Experiencing new responsibilities with my surroundings, my world-view change and the target of my works with it, I see Earth and all its life forms integrated as one. It is inspired by wisdom and philosophy throughout the ages, projecting into the future.
These basic, earthly elements are readily available. The intricate patterns and details in the paintings show the fulfillment that we find in basic organic elements; on how we are all interconnected with each other and with nature, in a spiritual and physical level. We need each other to evolve positively. The past influences the present and the present influences the future.
I used universal laws in the realization process of my works; I build the stretcher, stretch and prime the canvas, then start and finish each work on the waning moon. This is like my father and his ancestors have done in their harvesting. It is my way of planting an idea and completing it, working with the universal forces and laws, applying it to each painting.
The paintings act in the viewers' consciences, creating a reflection in the way in which people absorb my works. Remaking classic images, such as an historic moment, a building or an icon that is well known, while changing the concept, becomes a proposal to society of how to see established ideas in a new way. It softens and spiritualizes the original image, giving you a fresh and possible new perception of live, and a better self.

“We Buy Gold and Silver” Series
The coins are commemorative to each artist, as we need to see value from their creative contribution to the world. On each coin I included the artists’ birth years or sometimes the year from their death.
The inspiration for this series is a proposition to use money to buy values, to look more in to the human soul than in the works. That's why I chose to paint the portrait of the artist, rather than the works.
Coins can be made in any metal, but I use gold and silver because they are the most valuable metals used on coins. The fact they are coins I can repeat them many times in different metallic colors, just like with real coins.
This idea came to me because everywhere you look around they are signs of advertisements of “We Buy Gold and Silver"
I wanted to create a series of painting where we see the value on people's (artist) contribution to humanity. It is a proposal to see and seek value on art more than precious metals.

“Celebration” Series
Technique : Oil on Canvas
Description:
“Celebration” is the title of a series of ten paintings in large format. Sizes range from 72” x 96” to 84” x 132”. Every painting will resemble a large cake with different designs and words written on it: “Forgive”, “Acceptance”, “Imagine”, “Enjoy”, “Surrender”, “Compassion”, “Oneness”, “Awareness”, ”Peace”, “Enthusiasm”.
The cake has been an integral part of celebrations in western European countries since the middle of the 19th century. However, the intertwining of cakes and birthday celebrations can be traced back to the ancient Romans. The evolution of the birthday cake has followed the rise of culinary and confectionery expansion. Though they were originally a privilege for the wealthy, elaborate cakes are nowadays common to most Western celebrations. In addition, there are many variations of the birthday cake in different cultures, including birthday pastries and sweets.
Bakeries in Germany conceived the idea of marketing one-layer cakes for customers' birthdays as well as their weddings, and thus the modern birthday cake was born. During the 17th century, the birthday cake began to evolve into its present form. Over time it took on many of the more recognizable aspects of modern cakes (such as multiple layers, icing, and decorations). Cakes became more “proletarianized” as a result of the industrial revolution, as materials and tools became more advanced and accessible. Today we use a ceremonial cake for many types of events. Indeed, they have become a common symbol of happiness and celebration.
The idea of having ten diverse paintings with a common theme is significant because ten is a number that symbolizes completion. A group of ten items is often seen as a complete set, or as an easily recognizable division of a much larger number. It is a comfortable subset that speaks to a much greater whole. Without realizing it, the observer feels a strong resonance making them subliminally aware that there is so much more, that what they are seeing represents a much greater part of the world. That awareness is the beginning of the individual’s recognition of their connection to all of humanity, and (because of the positive message of the words) the importance of joy, peace and harmony for all.
Process of work:
I create a drawing with the design, instructions and size of how I want the cake to look. Then I go to different local bakeries and order each cake. I allow the baker the freedom to innovate on some colors and small designs; this way the work becomes more of a cooperative process, supporting the idea of interconnectedness between creative minds sharing the creative process. Next, I take photographs of the completed cake to use as a model for the final artwork. I then invite a collection of friends and other artists to celebrate and eat the cake. This joyful and sacred celebration, which I frequently record, is a formal recognition that we are making a conscious and meaningful use of the original cake from which the painting was born. It is the final completion of the celebration.
I am using my basket weaving style to create the cakes. Each painting takes about 20 layers to intricately “weave” the cake, using oil paints. This woven effect further demonstrates our interconnectedness and our interdependence between each other and nature. It symbolizes not only how much stronger we are when we are connected, but how vulnerable we are when separated.
Because I try to stay in harmony with nature as I construct every image, each painting is started on a waning moon and completed on a waning moon a few months later. This is how I use universal laws as part of the process of creating my works. It brings to mind how we are influenced by the gravity of the moon and the sun, as our ancestors have known intuitively throughout the ages, planting their crops in natural cycles to achieve better results. In this case I use a similar process by “planting an idea” and harvesting it through cycles of the moon. This also defines a specific moment in time when the painting is complete, carrying with it all the energy and intention of being part of the larger universe beyond what we can see or feel, focusing on the deeper spiritual essence that is our true nature. It would give further impact if the opening night of the exhibition could also be on a waning moon.
Statement of Purpose for the Exhibit:
I believe that life is a precious and unique experience. Each and every moment we should recognize and celebrate the miracle of simply being alive. Consciously and deliberately taking the time to celebrate any occasion, by joining together with our fellow human beings in joy and harmony, is what the human “collective” needs to experience peace, love and health.
This Series of paintings is about inspiring people to celebrate life. It is a reminder that many of the things we take for granted are the things for which we should be most grateful. It is a proposal for all of us to recognize, honor and value the inherent kindness of our human race. It will be inspirational for younger generations, raising new awareness of the value of positive thoughts and actions. The show will also encourage us to reflect upon our responsibility to the Earth and our interconnectedness with everything that exists.
As a collective, we are used to having a cake for commemorations, anniversaries, and parties of any kind. When gathering with friends and family for a special occasion, everyone loves to see the beautifully decorated cake. Pictures are taken, and finally the cake is eaten. In my paintings, the cake as “food for the soul,” becomes immortal, allowing the viewer to longer reflect on the beauty and the message. I am using different positive words as catalysts to inspire other profound reasons to celebrate, like Forgiveness and Acceptance.