We recently connected with Vanesa Alvarez and have shared our conversation below.
Vanesa, appreciate you joining us today. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?
The truth is that when my art makes the most sense is when I work with the community. Being a muralist, I have the honor of working with Thrive Collective, which is dedicated to this, of having received awards such as a commission for the Arts in Medicine Program of NYC Health and Hospitals, of having worked against the violence against the women in Spain …but the project that has meant the most to me has been my artistic residency at a Senior Center in Brooklyn, called Su-Casa and managed by the Brooklyn Arts Council. Working with seniors has opened my eyes, I have learned a lot. We created and painted a mural together in one of the hallways of their center, talking about their experiences, their roots, their legacy. I arrived as a guest artist and finished the residency as her friend. It was wonderful.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I love to create new, inspiring spaces that can improve people’s lives and I truly believe that public art can change our way of thinking and relating, making us more empathetic beings and changing the world to be a better place.
To do this I use powerful colors, flat inks, typography, symbols, architectural geometries and sometimes portraits.
Most of my pieces are on the street, in indoor spaces, or even on the asphalt. They talk about diversity, climate change and social justice.
I also do studio work, in which I use wood as a support and create dialogues between very gestural strokes and pure lines, representing the constant search for balance.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
I am a mother, immigrant and artist living in NY, I can share many stories! I especially remember one with a happy ending. It was the second time applying for a project that I had fallen in love with. The day and time of the open call deadline arrived and I was traveling, with my son asking for my attention at all times. I had the computer with me to finish some details, since as always having a toddler I had not the time to do more calmly. The Internet was not working well, it was very stressful and I sent it at the last minute with the child literally sitting on my lap but… they chose me.
This is how I submitted the winning proposal to create the street floor mural in Union Square in 2023. The piece is called “Union with the Universe” and is 7400 sq feet painted on the asphalt of 14th Street, Manhattan.
What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?
I firmly believe that having art in our lives makes us more sensitive and empathetic beings, it automatically makes us more open-minded beings. These qualities seem essential to me for life, for peace, for the planet.
That is why I believe that there should be more public resources to support artists, especially to be able to lead a dignified life developing our art. Many artists cannot afford health insurance or proper housing. Starting a family is impossible for the vast majority. That is why the creation of an organization that protects artists in these areas would be of great help, perhaps some tax benefits, or even access to those thousands of spaces that are not used.
In a less political sphere, actions can also be carried out to help artists. Share their posts on social media, go to the opening of their exhibition, buy their new book, order a piece, even if it is small for your business, hire their to take portraits of your family. All.
In short, let art enter our lives
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.behance.net/vanesalvarez
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vanesaalvarez
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vanesa.alvarezdiaz
- Other: https://vimeo.com/vanesalvarez
Image Credits
Portrait by Rocío Segura Union Square mural picture by J. Kratochvil