We were lucky to catch up with Andrew Soria recently and have shared our conversation below.

Andrew, appreciate you joining us today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

As a photographer and Pop Surrealist, I journeyed to LA seeking the bright lights and opportunities I had always envisioned. However, the LA I found was different from what I expected. Beyond the well-known attractions of Hollywood, Venice Beach, and Beverly Hills, I discovered a version of the city that couldn’t be captured in Instagram posts. To truly understand LA and grow as an artist, I needed to explore its hidden depths, leading me to create a project called “Welcome to the Neighborhood.”

I realized that authentic experiences and the heart of a place are what people truly seek when they travel. Pop Surrealism allows me to highlight both the beauty and challenges of various LA neighborhoods, addressing issues like gentrification and neglect. My work honors the complexity of these communities, inviting viewers to explore, inquire, and create with a deeper understanding of the places we inhabit.

Through my exploration, I came to understand that the essence of a city is revealed through its culture and community, shaped by its built environments over time. My vibrant depictions of neighborhoods, infrastructure, and landmarks tell unique stories, documenting time and place while highlighting the spirit of each locality. These images capture the nuances of human behavior, habitat, and change, portraying moments of nostalgia, adversity, and resilience.

Andrew, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I am a Pop Surrealist Artist and Photographer who creates vivid imagery with a nostalgic aesthetic. My work is influenced by people, culture, and my Latino roots. I am known for skillfully layering photographic images to create pieces that are both aesthetically captivating and intellectually stimulating. My work is predominantly recognized for its surreal compositions, particularly my iconic cityscapes derived from extensive travels.

My artistic focus revolves around capturing the essence of neighborhoods, delving into their culture, and revealing the intricate tapestry of community life. Through my lens, I seek to uncover the rich history and heritage of each place, paying tribute to its iconic landmarks in a surreal photomontage format. My creations evoke a sense of nostalgia in viewers, transporting them to familiar yet dream-like settings where reality intertwines with imagination.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

I want viewers to connect with my work on a deep level and feel inspired by it. Provoking discussion and bringing about change through the themes in my art is important to me. I also value capturing the community and culture of a place in my cityscapes, allowing people to see familiar places from a new perspective and feel a sense of nostalgia.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

I find the feedback and connections from others immensely rewarding. I enjoy watching people engage with my work, discussing it while identifying places they’ve visited and recognizing iconic neighborhood landmarks. There is nothing more fulfilling than seeing someone explain my art to a friend or significant other.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.andrewsoria.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andrewsoria_art/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/airosdesign/
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@andrewsoria

Image Credits

Portrait by George Briseno