Alex Covarrubias
We are pleased to introduce Alex Covarrubias, whose artwork is featured in the Community Art Collection housed at Baird & Warner. Alex draws from his Mexican American roots to document pop culture boldly and memorably. He centers and celebrates iconic Mexican TV characters and figures like El Chavo del Ocho and Frida Kahlo. He spins off from everyday Latinx consumer brands such as the ‘El Milagro’ logo to reimagine new narratives that are playful & edgy. This fresh lens breathes a renewed life into these subjects, illuminating a new context for viewers. In addition to his bold aesthetic, his technique and execution are equally impressive. The mix of patterns, color play, medium, application, and texture he incorporates is thoughtful and beautifully experimental.
We are excited to announce that Alex will generously give away four prints in May! To enter the giveaway, please follow @red_cave_ & @berwynpublicart on Instagram and keep your eyes peeled for another email and IG post in the coming week for details on how to enter the drawing.
In addition, we are thrilled to share a selection of Alex’s recent works! This new series takes a new direction as he focuses on three elements of his life: work, family, and religion. He employs gouache on paper to capture & celebrate everyday moments that make up his world. We welcome you to take a look at the art catalog.
“My goal is to combine my Mexican and American heritage into my artwork. Combining both styles has induced me to create bold and colorful illustrations that showcase my thoughts, my life, and the outside world.”
Artist Q&A
A conversation between Michelle Ruiz and Alex Covarrubias
Michelle Ruiz: Tell us briefly about your background and what led you to the arts.
Alex Covarrubias: I’m a Mexican American artist born in Chicago and raised in Cicero. My parents are from Jalisco, Mexico, and I currently work as a machine operator at a meat company called OSI Industries. Art came along when I was a kid. Being an only child, I would quickly get bored, and art was a hobby that I quickly found myself drawn into, ultimately finding it as my passion. To this day, art has been my tool to escape from reality and as a joy in creating something new and unique.
MR: We are excited to feature two of your mixed media works on Mylar within the BPAI & Baird & Warner Community Art Collection. One is titled Beyond Our Fear We Are Free #3, and the other Mi Ojo de Venado. Can you tell us more about these two pieces?
AC: Mi Ojo de Venado was inspired by the Rock en Español band Caifanes. Being a big fan of them and their alternative rock style motivated me to make this bold illustration. The Beyond Our Fear We Are Free painting comes from a picture that an old friend gifted me before leaving for Mexico in 2013. I thought it was a great picture that symbolizes and illustrates women's empowerment. My vision for this piece was to commemorate Mexico and my roots.
MR: I love how you carefully synthesize various mediums and techniques such as marker, spray paint, acrylic, and stenciling to bring your subjects to life graphically and boldly. Can you walk us through your choice of mediums that you employ when conceptualizing & creating your work?
AC: The choice of mediums that I apply to my work vary and often unite together as one “mixed media.” I love combining different techniques and mediums because they all portray a unique look and texture. My inspiration comes from a variety of artists that I follow, motivating me to combine methods and create my own bold illustrations.
MR: Your work often depicts iconic figures such as Las Adelitas, El Milagro (woman in logo, making tortillas), La Virgen de Guadalupe, superheroes, and Aztec references, to name a few. What draws you to these subjects to elevate them as the centerpiece of your work?
AC: I drew these characters to emphasize how I see American pop culture and gave it my twist with Mexican characters. For example, an artist that I follow named Wizardskull, combines different characters, such as Bart Simpson, with another character named Arnold from the show, Hey Arnold; having that reference influenced me to make a spin-off of some characters from certain Mexican brands, tv shows, icon Mexican figures, etc. that I want to portray into my work.
MR: US & Mexican currency is also a substrate you use in your practice. Tell us more about why you select currency and manipulate it as you do.
AC: During the pandemic, it was challenging to use currency due to sanitary concerns, and I wanted to take the challenge of using these bills as a way to express my commotion during that period. Adding famous Mexican figures to one-dollar bills is a concept I’ve wanted to execute since it shows many of my childhood figures.
MR: What projects or bodies of work are you most excited about and working on now?
AC: I’m currently working on a gouache series that represents my life on the exterior side, such as my job, family, and religion. I’m very excited to be debuting these small pieces in a virtual catalog.
Artist Information
Alex Covarrubias
IG: @red_cave_
Email: covarrubiasa96.ac@gmail.com
Click here for the catalog to view the Community Art Collection currently on display at Baird & Warner.