Miami, FL – October 17, 2014 – Whether he’s drawing up his latest painting, directing a shoot, or sculpting a new masterpiece, Van Alpert is certainly a force to be reckoned with. Currently living in Los Angeles as a multi-media artist, Alpert has returned to his roots of Miami for his first solo exhibition, BLACK i. His references to a Hollywood of the past throughout his work help us reflect on an era when the element of style meant elegance, and his unique approach certainly reminds us that this can still exist today. Alpert translates his early years in graffiti writing onto canvas through his reoccurring use of sharp black lines, while the colors found in his artwork carry a sensual confidence that strike the viewer and add to the already impactful imagery.

With an incredible turnout at Friday’s exhibition presentation, there is no doubt that this is just the beginning of great things to come from Alpert. Fortunately, the man of the hour was able to snag some time away from his busy schedule to chat with us about his first solo exhibition, his passions and what we can expect from him in the future.

Van Alpert

WRE: What made you choose the title, “BLACK i”?

VA: The idea behind the BLACK i started with the concept of leaving a mark. I am coming into this exhibition with my all, making a statement. I want to make a big impression and hit this as hard as I can, ultimately leaving my mark on the art scene. This is a new day and I’m coming in strong.

WRE: Tell us about this exhibition?

VA: It’s a very bold and clean exhibition in the center of Wynwood. It stands out in the neighborhood, during the day and especially at night. It’s impossible to miss.

WRE: This was your first solo exhibition, how did it feel?

VA: It felt great and natural. I love making things that make people happy and everyone was so supportive and interested in the work. I didn’t expect that many people to come, and wish I had more time to spend with people talking about the pieces.

Van Alpert & Tommy Cabrerizo

WRE: How did the pieces evolve after you created the first one or did you work on them simultaneously? 

VA: I had a general script and outline of my show idea. I created some new styles along the way, also deleted some ideas from plan. My work evolved from a studio in LA to white walls in a gallery in Miami. I had never shown my work on white walls before.

WRE: Which piece are you most excited to present? Why?

VA: I’m most excited to show my Lauren Bacall heads. I was very inspired by her, and didn’t expect her death this year. I worked on her face first, so I had to keep it a secret until I finished my other paintings.

WRE: You live in Los Angeles, what made you choose to have this exhibition here in Miami?

VA: I grew up in Miami on Key Biscayne. All of my friends and family live there. Art basel blew up the last few years, and I’ve never seen anything like Wynwood before. It’s amazing. When I was a kid that was an area you didn’t have any business being in, now it’s one of the major arts districts in the world.

WRE: You’re a multi-media artist, have you always worked with a wide range of mediums? If not, what did you start with?

VA: I started with drawing and painting graffiti as a kid. Later on, I discovered a passion for film. I made videos and started directing professionally. I’ve always done more than one thing.

WRE: If you could only work in one medium for the rest of your life what would you choose and why?

VA: I would work in film because I could turn a camera on, and film myself make a painting and make a movie about that if there was nobody around to work with. I like working with other people.

Austin Paul, Van Alpert, & Cris Cab

I want to make a big impression and hit this as hard as I can, ultimately leaving my mark on the art scene.

Van Alpert

Greta Pastrana, Van Alpert, & Alex Mijares

WRE: What are some themes that are consistent throughout your work?

VA: Bold lines, fonts, textures, and symbols. Sexy women, military and classic cinema.

WRE: What can we expect from you in the future?

VA: Unique art exhibitions in major cities. Working with museums and making movies for the cinemas.

Ana De La Fe, Van Alpert, & Ernesto De La Fe

Tony G, Van Alpert, & Tatanka

Jason Odio & Cris Cab

Nicole Ludi & Maggi Caruthers

Amanda Estrella & Gabi T

Lea Moussa, Gaby Dailey, Vanessa Bryan, & Jessica York

Carrie Hyman, Adam Freshman, & Lyndon Smith

Alex Ast, Martim Lucena, Lawrence Kelly, & Uccio Zecchini

Van Alpert & Rose McVeigh

Reza Larizadeh

Amanda Estrella, Gabi T, & Sofia Carrasquillo

Austin Paul & Taylor Wagner

Javier Mora & Tommy Cabrerizo

Aaron, Marc, & Van Alpert, Tommy & Tom Cabrerizo

Van Alpert & Tommy Cabrerizo

Aaron Alpert, Rachel Alpert Giammattei, Tatanka, & Van Alpert

Mike Abadin, Cris Cab, Tony Delgado, & Ramon Berrayarza

Rachel Alpert Giammattei, Manolo Diaz, & Rose McVeigh

Betty Bermudez, Rodrigo Diaz, & Natasha Guien

Vanessa Bryan, Van Alpert, & Jessica York

Christian, Ana, & Ernesto De La Fe

Jorge Gomez, Van Alpert, Tom & Tommy Cabrerizo

Nate & Kelly Vedrani, & Mike Abadin

Cori Mizrahi, Grant Thiede, & Emilie Sobel 

Estefania Hageman, Mikaela Diaz, Julian Reyes, & Nathalie Rosenfeld

Carlos Morr, Agustina Dirocco, Chiara Mecozzi, & Mario Garcia

Reza Larizadeh, Paula Collarte, Tommy Cabrerizo, & Carolina Ramirez

GALLERY SLIDER