Alfred Pérez
Alfred Pérez, a first-generation Cuban-American, intricately weaves his rich cultural heritage into his evocative paintings. Raised in a household steeped in Lucumi, an Afro-Cuban religion with Nigerian origins, alongside Catholicism, Pérez’s work is imbued with a profound syncretism. His art features the iconography of cowrie shells and deities, reflecting a complex interplay of religious and social narratives.
Pérez’s body of work navigates both figurative and abstract domains, characterized by an intricate use of positive and negative space. His
compositions articulate themes of freedom, justice, and equality, drawing from his personal experiences and broader societal issues. The textural quality of his “etched oil on canvas” series recalls the intricate carvings of African artisans, blending elements of memory, fantasy, and whimsy into a cohesive visual language. Pérez’s subject matter ranges from distorted animal forms and organic shapes to deconstructed flags and geometric constructions, each piece layered with multifaceted symbolism.
As a native of South Florida, Pérez’s connection to the region profoundly informs his artistic practice. The area’s cultural dynamism and historical resonance offer an inexhaustible source of inspiration, driving his creative expression.
“It is certain, in any case, that ignorance, allied with power, is the most ferocious enemy justice can have.” ~ James Baldwin
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