Name: Abel Alejandre

Medium(s): I’ve worked with several mediums but am focused on drawing, painting and printmaking in equal measure.

Years as an artist: In 1984, I worked for the “Summer Olympics Youth Mural Project” here in Long Beach. And for the last 35 years have continued working as an artist.

Education: I earned an AA from Long Beach City College.

Influences: My influences have varied over the years. However, there have been a few wells I draw inspiration from, like life experience, culture and other artists. Such artists would include Albrecht Dürer, David Alfaro Siqueiros, Hans Memling, Hendrick Goltzius and John Valadez, to name a few.

What sparked his interest in printmaking: My interest in printmaking was ignited by Mexican printmakers like Leopoldo Méndez and José Guadalupe Posada. Also, the German Expressionists with their powerfully expressive woodblock prints motivated me to make my own prints.

Where you can see his work: You can check out one of Alejandre’s works in person at the University Art Museum in “Call and Response, When We Say… You Say”, an exhibit featuring artists of Wilmington-based Slanguage Studio and the UAM’s permanent collection, through April 14. For more info, visit this link: https://bit.ly/2JEqLtM.

Website, Instagram: https://abelalejandre.com/; @abelalejandre

Asia Morris is a Long Beach native covering arts and culture for the Long Beach Post. You can reach her @hugelandmass on Twitter and Instagram and at [email protected].