Inspired Artistry

Cuban-born artist ERIC ALFARO has exhibited in Paris and Miami and is now appearing in Singapore's very own REDSEA Gallery in Dempsey! His art caught my eye in a recent ad for the exhibition in this magazine, but watching him in action on Instagram (@ericalfaroart) has really piqued my interest.

- REBECCA BISSET

Tell us a bit about your background and how you discovered your love for art.

I've always liked to draw a lot, since childhood, trying to reproduce characters from my favourite cartoons and comics, and making caricatures too.

When I started art school at 15, it was a very special moment - that's when I discovered my love for art and knew I wanted to dedicate myself to it for the rest of my life.

What's had the biggest influence on your artistic development?

Van Gogh and Monet have always been strong influences in my work, also the artists from the 40s and 50s Abstract Expressionist movement in New York too. I really like music, cinema and television; they also serve as a source of inspiration for me.

What's your creative process like from the initial concept to the finished piece?

My creative process often starts with a specific idea I develop through a series. I'll occasionally make a sketch, but I usually dive right into painting, often using a reference photograph since a lot of my work is figurative. I blend these references with ideas in my mind. Sometimes I'll spend years refining a series, but the actual creation tends to flow spontaneously.

Your work often explores imagery of flowers and Asian-centric themes. Why?