Today we’d like to introduce you to Alejandro Romero.
Alejandro, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I knew as a child in Mexico that I wanted to be an artist. I knew I wanted to be a creator. When I was a teenager I had an opportunity to go to the Academy of Fine Arts in San Carlos. This is the same school where Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo studied.
The building was 200 years old and it was similar to the architecture in Florence, Italy. It had exact reproductions of the original sculptures in Italy. In the center of the patio, there was a copy of one of the greatest Hellenic sculptures -the Victory of San Morticia.
So as a youth, I was surrounded by art and architecture which had a great influence on me. In my generation, only the very gifted were allowed into a school of fine art. It was extremely competitive. After my studies, and facing reality, I saw the possibilities of surviving as an artist was difficult.
I was lucky to be hired as a draftsman for one of the top fashion designers at that time. This is where I learned about fashion and photography. I continued to paint and finding a way to express my own ideas. I started exhibiting my work in group exhibitions in Mexico.
Finally, I had my first chance to exhibit at New Mexico State University. Through this Chicago State University became interested in my work and invited me to exhibit in Chicago. I was privileged to have the opportunity to do my first mural at this institution.
It was a time when the mural movement was very robust in the Mexican art movement in Chicago. The awakening of the Mexican culture in this city gave us an opportunity to exhibit throughout the nation. Following this, I was fortunate enough to be part of a large exhibit at the Museum of Contemporary Art of Chicago where they offered me the design of the poster for the exhibition.
That was the point of departure for my career as a poster artist. This opened my eyes to the world of public art. Because of this, I continued as a muralist and fine artist.
Has it been a smooth road?
The life of an artist is a constant struggle. Being part of a Mexican minority was challenging, not being part of the mainstream culture. However, with the years of persistence and determination, we have overcome our obstacles.
That gave me the security to seek out opportunities worldwide. And I was able to exhibit in London, Rome, and Paris among many other places in the world. The life of an artist is a never-ending fight to achieve your goal as an iconoclast.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
My career as a muralist and public image artist makes me unique as an artist in the city. I have many public art murals throughout the city in museums and educational institutions. I have made many posters images for community events.
Working with imagery for the public allows your work to be seen and be accessible by multitudes of people who may not have the opportunity to purchase original works.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
Chicago is a thriving center for all the arts. There are many formats of art that have an opportunity to flourish here. Because of the diversity of the communities in Chicago, there is an overwhelming creative vibe that pules through the city. The horizon is open to many different cultures to create.
Contact Info:
- Address: 950 W 18th place Chicago, Il 60608
- Website: painteralejandroromero.com
- Phone: 312-401-6344
- Email: moadiveart@yahoo.com
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