Movement and Motion: Vibrant Metropolitan Collage Comes to Life in the Art of Estevon Garcia

Curated for phICA by Adam Romano
Opens September 2024

Curator Exhibition Statement

Personality shines through in a style that continues to be developed by artist Estevon Garcia as they create paintings and layered conglomerates of multimedia art.

A native New Yorker, Garcia’s expression presents itself in acrylic paint but also in a juxtaposition of collage set amongst colorful figurative illustrations that see influence from 21st century pop culture staples such as comic books, cartoons, and manga. Garcia collects 2d and 3d objects from the surrounding neighborhood (anything ranging from caution tape, to scraps of city flotsam, to video game sleeve covers, to magazine cut outs) and pastes them together in reimagined ways while overlaying painted illustrations. They create new forms and experiences that reflect the vibrant cacophony presented by their city.

Central to the artist is the idea that one can (and should) create using any means possible while being open to inspiration from the plurality of daily experience.

The creative process behind the assembled compositions of Garcia’s work mirrors the technique of surrealism artists. The subconscious is being explored and repositioned into art. The haze of the city filters itself into this work, almost dream-like.

Garcia’s work reflects the warped capitalism and sexism of modern society merged with a youthful splash of technophilia, violence, sexuality, and pride. Combined, the end result presents itself in a post-apocalyptic vibrancy that invokes great artists ranging from Robert Rauschenberg to Jean-Michel Basquiat to Osamu Tezuka.

Explore more of Estevon Garcia’s work at the links below:

https://desolateanthem.threadless.com
Instagram:@Stev_Garci

Curated for phICA by:
- Adam Romano

The phICA Virtual Exhibitions Initiative is made possible through the generous support of Arizona Commission on the Arts/National Endowment for the Arts, City of Phoenix Office of Arts and Culture, Laurie and Tom Carmody/The Carmody Foundation, Brendan Mahoney and Gordon Street, Bobby Walker and Michael L. Zirulnik, Erin Hubbard, and Ted Decker Catalyst Fund.

Curator Exhibition Statement