Letter T in Black Lives Matter
by Ivan Vazquez
The Queen of Diamonds symbolizes knowledge and the movement; the hip-hop generation. She represents authenticity and balance in a world where staying grounded is imperative, lest you be knocked off your feet by strong winds. People of all colors and creeds should come together under one umbrella; a community bound by love and unity, forged by the way we connect and communicate with each other.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Ivan Vazquez is a Mexican-American visual artist, born and based in Chicago. Ivan's work tells stories pertaining to humanistic, domestic, cultural, and social issues from an urban vantage point. Self taught, his work encompasses realism, surrealism, linear artwork, pop art, portrait, and modern abstract expressionism. Ivan's work is controversial yet progressive. It questions social structure and the effects on modern day society. His work has been featured in shows and branded events, including Mountain Dew, Red Bull Music Academy, the NBA, and Pepsi. His work has been featured in pop-up shows and galleries nationally and abroad.
"I lost a few brothers due to the senseless violence that plagues Chicago. Years later, I had an epiphany while looking through old photos of them. My art became an outlet for my grief, while simultaneously helping me heal. My mission is to empower and educate youth with positive and relatable alternative lifestyles.
Growing up in Chicago, I was struck by the beauty and brutality in the city. My art embodies the four seasons and the need for balance. My subjects are often young and don the masks of Aztec or Zulu indigenous warriors and gods. The characters represent modern-day warriors and ancestors we call on for strength and to summon spiritual powers. The visuals are meant to empower, unify, inspire and educate. There is a darkness in my work, as well as a sense of serenity, promise, and light. My goal is to preserve and contribute to the culture and represent the misrepresented." I. Vazquez
To learn more follow @thechicagolago
Thank you for capturing our artists!
Joel Gonzalez @weourstory, Josel Tolentino @Itjosel, Michelle Ruiz @michelle___ruiz
#berwynpublicartinitiative #publicart #blacklivesmatter
Curatorial Director, Michelle Ruiz
Copy Editor, Hugo Plascencia