James “Avi” Avalos, is a multi-media artist from San Antonio, Texas. His notoriety as a celebrated artist has developed through use of iconography that playfully engages viewers resulting in a positive experience with art leaving both young, old and everyone in-between with an experience to talk about. Working in installation and performance art, as well as fine art paintings, printmaking and sculpture he will use any media possible to make a statement or to create conversation. His work covers neutral or obvious perspectives on politics, culture, faith, love and over all fun.

In 2008 he created a fashion show titled Social Insecurity where all the dresses were constructed out of oversized prints of US currency as a social commentary on excessive government spending. In 2012 he created Mr Pinata SA, which has now become an icon of San Antonio culture. Mr Pinata was created as a fine arts in public spaces experiment where he made himself a piñata mariachi suit that he wears and has traveled with from New York to Las Angeles and stops in Mexico, Mr Piñata SA has been a hit with just about everybody. Avi continues to elevate various art forms to engage and inspire his audience.

Resume (PDF)

Work Samples (PDF)

Artist Statement of Work

Tell us about your work (style, approach, philosophy, subject and/or theme):

My pursuit has been to answer the question, "what is the purpose of art in society?" I believe that it should inspire, bring joy and invite conversation on topics and ideas in a non-threatening, yet visualy attractive way. Through the use of iconography and pop art, I have developed my visual language of bringing up ideas of culture, politics, faith, love and joy amongst other ideas. My goal is to use relatable themes to elevate these ideas in a palatable way for all walks of life.

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Select Culturally Specific Art Category:: Hispanic or Latino/a/x

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