Miami Beach, FL – April 21, 2016 – As we accelerate on into the #AudiQ7Drive305 – a digital partnership between THE COLLECTION and World Red Eye – insiders can get an up close and personal look at the all-new 2017 Audi Q7 through the eyes of three of Miami’s own. We spent the day with Local Artist Alexander Mijares, who gave us a glimpse into Miami through his eyes behind the wheel of the newly-arrived 2017 Audi Q7. Alexander Mijares brings a colorful perspective and injects new life into the art world with his myriad of vibrant works. A self-taught artist, Mijares finds inspiration in the dynamic energy of both his city of Miami and his Cuban and Spanish roots, and creates pieces that are rich in culture. His vision has been recognized both nationally and internationally by some of the most discerning art collectors across the globe. Mijares has also found inspiration in music; the rising artist collaborated with Pitbull in 2014 during the World Cup, painted the iHeart Radio Station Studio and has created custom pieces for artists like Justin Bieber, Tori Kelly, and Pharrell.

Amidst his success professionally, Mijares has made it his life mission to use his talent to give back to the community by remaining an active philanthropist. Mijares has been recognized as Live Like Bella’s Artist Forever and Blue Mission’s Agent of Change, and has a long-standing partnership with Miami’s Overtown Youth Center. His charitable efforts have spanned Haiti and Colombia. Most recently, Mijares collaborated with Nicklaus Children’s Hospital to create a mural that will act as a source of strength and happiness to the hospital’s adolescent patients.

WRE: What was your perception of Audi before you drove the Q7?

AM: It has nice lines and cool look! Definitely recognizable that it’s an Audi at first glance. Also, it looked like it could have a lot of space.

WRE: Describe how you felt when you pulled out of THE COLLECTION in the Q7?

AM: It felt great. The car had some nice pick up and didn’t feel like an SUV. The Q7 SUV handled like a car.

WRE: When and where were you happiest driving your Q7?

AM: I loved driving it on the causeway, with the windows down on the beautiful day it was here in Miami.

WRE: How would you describe the driving experience of the Q7?

AM: The Q7 drove like a sports car! Great handling, I really enjoyed it.

WRE: The Q7 is packed with technology. What was your favorite tech feature?

AM: The cameras, the computer, the whole package was just super cool. To have all of the Q7’s technology so easily accessible with the touch pad and all the other features really enhanced the drive.

WRE: What was one of your favorite journeys while driving around in the Q7?

AM: Taking the car off road for a bit to get some cool photos of the Miami skyline.

WRE: What was the Q7’s most memorable characteristic?

AM: The cameras! The car has all these cameras so you can see 360 degrees which makes it super easy to park and back up.

WRE: If you had to compare your Q7 to an animal – which one would it be?

AM: I would say a horse because it has a lot of power and muscle.

WRE: What was your perception of Audi after you drove the Q7?

AM: That it was a great car! The Q7 had great handling, lots of space, and the technology was super cool. It’s amazing how this vehicle developed over the years.

It has the space of an SUV but the feel of a sports car.

Alexander Mijares

WRE: Describe the 2016 Audi Q7 in one word.

AM: Spaceship.

WRE: Would you recommend a Q7 to your friends?  If so, why? 

AM: Yes, I would recommend the Q7. It’s great for a single person and or a family. It has the space of an SUV but the feel of a sports car.

WRE: What was your favorite destination while driving around in the Q7?

AM: We went to The Deck at Island Gardens near parrot jungle; was such a great drive.

WRE: What was your favorite part of visiting of THE COLLECTION?

AM: I love stopping by THE COLLECTION; they have such cool cars. You can spend hours in there just looking around and checking out all the new models. The staff was also great and super helpful.

WRE: In regards to your work, where do you draw inspiration from when creating new pieces?

AM: I find inspiration in everything! My style came from my love of stain glass in old churches and graffiti. So, I mixed them both and my style emerged from there. I am self taught and have been painting for five years now. When I created my first painting I actually painted on the wrong side of the canvas. I didn’t know until I had it stretched the guy and said I painted on the side that wasn’t primed that’s why my paint kept bleeding. I started painting because I needed a piece of art for my wall. I couldn’t afford it so I went to the store got some brushes, a roll of canvas and began. Within a month my style was born. I like to use acrylic and a few other mediums. Most pieces are mixed media. Lately, I have also been working on bronze sculptures.

WRE: How has being a Miami resident influenced your art?

AM: Miami is a place that is filled with color and life. My artwork shows that by using bright colors. Also, the movement of Miami and dancing have an influence.

WRE: Where do you see yourself in 10 years? 

AM: In ten years, I see my self as a world renowned artist or at least I hope to be. I work very hard and do not stop until I succeed. So, I hope that if I continue to work hard and push the envelope in ten years I will be in a better place then I am now. I would love to do a show in the MOMA, Guggenheim, and a few other top galleries in the world.

I started painting because I needed a piece of art for my wall. I couldn’t afford it so I went to the store got some brushes, a roll of canvas and began. Within a month my style was born.

Alexander Mijares