Alonzo Zavala Art
About
Born in Laredo Texas, Alonzo Zavala enjoyed making art from an early age. Gifts of art supplies were available from his parents and from family. Having graduated from Dr. Leo G. Cigarroa High School, Alonzo enrolled at Laredo College and pursued a major in art. His studies took a detour when he chose to work full time in San Antonio Texas as an art supplies retailer and eventually manage an art supplies store. At the age of 40 Alonzo decided to move to his hometown and began to complete his bachelors degree.
His art has appeared in juried student exhibitions at Laredo College and Texas A & M International University as well as a student exhibition at Casa Ortiz in beautiful downtown Laredo. When not engaged in art or studies Alonzo is usually listening to podcasts and audiobooks or playing bass with his friends in a country and rock band.
CONTACT
Artist's Statement
I work in drawing and painting to explore my interest in metaphysics and theology, and my artwork reflects this interest along with imagery pulled from popular culture. My art serves as an artifact of my thoughts at the time as well as handmade human expression. I work primarily in acrylic. The versatility and convenience of acrylics allow an intuitive approach that provides instant gratification to the artist. I enjoy the quick drying time and ease of revision.
I draw inspiration from 20th century Surrealist artists like Max Ernst and Leonora Carrington, who conjured images from the subconscious allowing a glimpse into the inner life of the artist. I would like to use art as a tool to share my perspective and give viewers a glimpse into my psyche. I have devised a couple of gimmicks in the exhibition.
The Fool’s Journey consists of four compositions inspired by Pamela Colman Smith’s illustrations for the Rider-Waite Tarot. I have cut and rearranged these compositions to be viewable from four select angles or viewed head-on from either side. The work incorporates local landscapes and figures that reflect my interests in cartooning, body image, and dreams. Using The Fool, The Tower, Five of Cups, and The Magician cards, the work focuses on ones’ journey in life from ignorance to self-actualization. I want the novelty of aligning one’s view to take in each composition to leave an impression. My art is a shared experience that communicates the feelings that go into its creation.
I have painted two portraits as an example of letting the viewer see through my perspective. The subjects are my aunt Berta Z. Galvan and my friend Jose A. Esquivel, whose recent passing has weighed heavy on my mind. Using a red lens, the viewer can see how I viewed the paintings while working on them. The desaturation of the red lens reflects my incessant contemplation of mortality, and the vibrant color is meant to celebrate the vibrancy of their souls. Appropriately, I have chosen a bright paint color to compliment my portraits on the gallery wall.
As someone native to the region, I want to continue staying involved with and sharing my art with the community of South Texas from which I draw inspiration. The sights, sensations, and the people of the border permeate my work.
Portfolio
Junction - TAMIU Fine and Performing Arts Gallery
