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Andrea V Rivas
Literary Arts: Author/Writer; Media Arts: Filmmaker, Graphic Artist, Media/Visual Communications, New Media/Technology, Producer, Radio/Television Talent, Voiceover; Multi-Disciplinary: Multiple Art Forms; Performing Arts: Actor, Dancer; Teaching Artist/Instructor; Visual Arts: Craftsperson, Illustrator, Maker, Mixed Media Artist, Muralist, Painter, Printmaker; Actor
Multi-hyphenate artist; Visual Artist, Producer, Actor and more.
As a first generation Honduran American, Andrea V Rivas always found it difficult to confess to her traditional parents that art meant the world to her. She finally solidified her intention to become an artist by studying abroad in Spain taking Art courses during the summer and attending Texas State University in 2013 completing her BFA and achieving scholastic distinction on the Dean’s List.
When creating, Rivas is heavily influenced by her Latine culture. Through her art she creates images that depict memories, personal dreams, loved ones, life events or emotions. Other works depict the struggles to remain connected to her Central American roots in the social context of the U.S.. These pieces showcase organic, faceless figures juxtaposed with colorful backgrounds inspired by her Honduran roots. The faceless figures invite the viewer to project their own life experiences and emotions onto the imagery.
As a multi-hyphenate creative pursuing a childhood dream, San Antonio-based actor and producer Rivas has worked extensively in short films and commercials. Her artistic reach extends to major cultural events, including creating a calavera skull for Spiritlandia that is showcased annually in downtown San Antonio. She has also collaborated with Luminaria, County Commissioner Rebeca Clay-Flores, and Walmart, while partnering with local artists on mural commissions throughout San Antonio and Dallas.
MORE ABOUT THIS ARTIST
Artist Type: Literary Arts: Author/Writer; Media Arts: Filmmaker, Graphic Artist, Media/Visual Communications, New Media/Technology, Producer, Radio/Television Talent, Voiceover; Multi-Disciplinary: Multiple Art Forms; Performing Arts: Actor, Dancer; Teaching Artist/Instructor; Visual Arts: Craftsperson, Illustrator, Maker, Mixed Media Artist, Muralist, Painter, Printmaker; Actor
Artist Style: Dance: Contemporary, Modern; Street Art: Surrealistic, Symbolic; Teaching Artist/Instructor: Group Instruction, Guest Speaker, Instruction for Adults, Instruction for Children, Instruction for Seniors, Multi-Day Artist Residency; Visual Art: Abstract, Assemblage, Collage, Conceptual, Contemporary, Dream Imagery/Ethereal, Environmental, Experimental, Expressionistic, Figurative, Focus on Color/Light/Movement, Illustrative, Impressionistic, Interactive, Landscape/Cityscape, Narrative/Historical, Nature/Wildlife, Non-Objective, Photo-Based Painting, Pop, Portraiture, Representational, Site-Specific, Social Commentary
Artist Medium: Acrylic; Clay; Drawing Media; Fiber/Fabric; Film; Oil; Photography; Watercolor
Artist Statement of Work
Tell us about your work (style, approach, philosophy, subject and/or theme):
When I pick up a brush, I am immediately influenced by my Latinx culture and a strong desire of belonging. Honduras is the country where my parents were born and where most of my family still remains. Through my art there are images that depict the memories and dreams of seeing my family in Honduras only twice at the young age of 6 and again at 12 years old. Some depict life events or emotions felt at a certain moment in time. Others represent my loved ones, near and far. But some have a static that shows the struggles to remain connected with my Central American roots in the social context of the United States. These are all shown to the audience as organic, faceless figures interacting with mementos. This way I can truly invite the viewer to project their own life experiences and emotions onto the imagery.
In my paintings, whether it’s with oils, acrylics or watercolors, I can always sense the loneliness based off the subjects and colors I choose. The strong sense of lights and darks contrasting, going right up against each other reveal the struggle I’ve felt for years of my belonging. Painting these figures give me relief that I am still connected with my roots. I am then able to express myself in the emotional brushstrokes.
