|
ABOUT DEMETRIO ALFONSO
Demetrio Alfonso’s paintings are emotionally-charged, abstract compositions of combined organic elements and found objects. His work is bold, passionate and provocative expressions of decay and renewal, death and rebirth, the tension and connection between physical deterioration and spiritual transformation.
An immigrant from his native Canary Islands, Spain, Demetrio studied painting at the acclaimed San Alejandro Art School in Havana, Cuba then emigrated to the US where he continued his studies at the School of Visual Arts and the Arts Students' League in Manhattan, New York under master painters such as Robert Phillip.
In addition to his pursuing his creative vision, Demetrio established a Manhattan Art Restoration studio in the late 1970’s. He has restored valuable paintings for major galleries and private art institutions worldwide, using his vast knowledge and expertise in 18th through 20th century American painting.
Although classically trained, Demetrio breaks free from traditional forms of painting, combining imagery and influences from Afro-Cuban culture, Mystical Catholicism, and contemporary abstract expressionistic forms. As a viewer, one is moved by the emotional tenor of his work and the spiritual connection to one of his greatest influencers, Spanish master, Anton Tapies.
Demetrio explores the dark inner realms of his being to explore the beauty and spiritual quality of decay. He finds beauty and iconic power in discarded and found objects such as rusted nails and metals, decaying wood, broken sidewalks, the remains of abandoned buildings often mixed or juxtaposed with semi-precious stones. Each painting or assemblage combines vibrant colors with rich textures and sculptural elements that simultaneously evoke both past and present in a fusion of natural elements.
|
