Artist Angela Alés
Angela Alés is an artist born in Barranquilla, Colombia, of Andalusian and Lebanese descent. She moved to the United States in 1984 and graduated from Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art, in New York City in 1993. She later received her MFA from the Miami International University of Art and Design. She has also participated in over 40 collective and individual exhibitions in the US, Central and South America. Her work can be found in private collections in the Americas and Europe.
“Monologue 1”
By Angela Alés
Mixed Media On Canvas
“The series Monologue captures the emotions and inner thoughts of individual archetypes. It is about seeing the inner truth when one looks in the mirror. It is a window that invites the viewer to introspection.
This painting incorporates photo transfer using a turn of the century photograph that has been scanned and manipulated in photoshop. The background has been transferred as well. The rest of the painting is made with oil paint.”
When asked about the beginning of her inspiration Alés said, “I was born in an artistic household. Art was never something that I consciously started. It was always there. It was a necessity.” Alés went on to talk about her current inspiration being Life, Sociopolitical issues; our current reality.
“Monologue 10”
By Angela Alés
Mixed Media On Canvas
“This painting incorporates photo transfer using a turn of the century photograph that has been scanned and manipulated in photoshop. The background has been transferred as well. The rest of the painting is made with oil paint.”
Alés elaborated on her current place in her artistic journey by saying “My artistic process has in large part been both the means of searching for spiritual and philosophical meaning in my life as well as the act of recording this search. Throughout this journey recurring symbols and icons have solidified into my personal language. Most recently, my socio-political experiences as a Latin American, immigrant, and female artist have come to the forefront of my inner dialogue and have coalesced as a central theme of my artistic voice.”
“Monologue 7”
By Angela Alés
Mixed Media On Canvas
“This painting incorporates photo transfer using a turn of the century photograph that has been scanned and manipulated in photoshop. The rest of the painting is made with oil paint.”
Alés works in multiple mediums, including charcoal, mixed media, encaustic and oil paints where she relies on the brand Rembrandt for its quality.
Alés was then asked about the times when her inspiration is gone but materials remain, and she responded by saying, “I normally work on my sketchbook. I will sketch ideas or write. I practice automatism (art without thought) so that technique helps me with any artistic block.”
“Monologue 9”
By Angela Alés
Mixed Media On Canvas
“This painting incorporates photo transfer using a turn of the century photograph that has been scanned and manipulated in photoshop. The rest of the painting is made with charcoal and oil paint.”
Lastly, Alés was asked what advice she had for her fellow artists and she responded with multiple gems, “Art needs to have a soul. It can’t just be a technical display. Anyone can learn technique. Originality and creativity is what makes it special.
Art school does not teach how to sell the work or how to get into galleries. It is just as important to work on your public relations and your marketing, as it is to work on your art.”
To view more of Angela Alés’ work