by Jani Rosado
'Viajero' Adrian Roman on a Cultural Journey Through Life El “Viajero” takes us on a creative journey, straight to the backbone and heartbeat of the Latin culture. We smile knowingly, smell and taste the tobacco in the air as we lay eyes upon “Las Madrinas”, we can be sure that through their bodies may be wizened their minds are sharp and ready with words of advice or spiritual guidance.Upon viewing his sun baked campesinos, we are reminded of the arduous labor of those upon whose backs the sugar plantations rest. One elderly man sits on a curb lighting a cigarillo in rumpled clothes and a wide brim hat, his only protection from the brutal heat that beats his frame.All around him are bags full of this days take from the field or orchard, perhaps full of quenepas to take back home to the children or sell for a modest profit and some loaves of bread for tomorrow morning’s desayuno. Despite the hard times, there's a deep joy and sense of hope that comes from the earth and rises up into the people. Adrian 'Viajero' Roman illustrates this with a depth and dimension that transports his viewer to the myriad of moments spent with their elders. It is a testament to his talent that though his work may be of specific people, they all feel like someone whom we have known. If his protagonist doesn’t remind you of someone in your family, she’s la vecina, Doña Fulana de Tal or el frutero who even when times were tough made sure that the neighborhood children got their share of sweets regardless of their ability to pay. The term itself, “Viajero” translates as “traveler” and it evolved from one of his caricatures into the philosophy of his work. It is a representation of the journey which we travel throughout our lives. His creative purpose is to carry the consciousness of timeless being, in the midst of a time-bound experience.
Born in New York City during the heat wave of 1977, to parent’s of Puerto Rican heritage he enjoyed many summers and holidays returning with family to the island where he was infused with a great love of the foundational identity and history of the people. Naturally inclined towards art at an early age, he absorbed the creativity around him and began building his repertoire. Simple things like his mother’s doodles on the faces in the newspaper and his grandfather’s painted landscapes of his beloved beaches on whole coconut shells influenced what art is to him. His formal training began at the age of 12, when he earned a grant to study at the prestigious Pratt Institute in New York City. Tireless is his quest to learn more and be more, he attended classes at the Art Students League NYC, received a degree in Fine Arts from the New World School of Arts in Miami, Florida and continued on to the New York Institute of Technology to study graphic design. His extensive education and inherent know-how allowed him to be a proficient art director and graphic designer, having garnered him work with Jack Daniels, GMAC, and Heavy Inc. His passion lay in his own personal creations and it didn’t take long for him to launch his career as a freelance artist.
Viajeros most recent exhibit, at Camaradas El Barrio in Spanish Harlem brought the music of Yerbabuena and his art together to create a culturally fulfilling experience. His work can be seen in private collections and galleries in Puerto Rico and across the U.S. While his prices reach into the thousands, he participates in art festivals where he brings unique affordable art to the community. Viajero is an eclectic old soul with a love for antiquities. Vintage books, cameras, instruments, suitcases, picture frames, Latin album covers, old newspapers from Puerto Rico, letters, photos and many other little things that he began collecting to use in his art and became enamored with fill his home and studio. “I feel like it’s more than just a collection of old things, it’s a collection of time,” he muses adding, “One of my favorite things to collect is masks. I have masks from Puerto Rico, Africa, Mexico and Thailand.”
As with many visual artists he maintains that he can’t live without music. Once again his old soul is evident in the selections he has chosen for the soundtrack of his life; Miles Davis, members of Buena Vista Social Club, Nina Simone, Fela Kuti, members of Fania All-Stars and Bomba y Plena. These are the sounds that infuse each artful stroke with a soulful purpose. Music and art are so lovingly intertwined that an artist will often desire to make music and he is no exception. When asked for a fun fact he proclaims a desire to play the congas and that he is now in the process of learning to play the buleador, a drum used in traditional Bomba music. He becomes enthusiastic when discussing artists whom he admires. One of the great moments in his life was having met and been mentored by legendary artist Antonio Martorell. He shared his gift of storytelling with Roman as his own mentor, recently deceased, "Painter of the People" Rafael Tufiño, taught him many years earlier.
When asked of his process Roman says, “I think the most difficult part of the process is selecting a type of wood. I believe the wood has already been selected for me, I just have to find it. The grain is like a fingerprint, unique to each piece of artwork. I also like to use vintage objects to support the stories and reflect the feeling of timelessness in my pieces. I’m currently experimenting with creating visual art documentaries, meeting people through my travels and telling their life stories through my drawings, photography and installations.” Roman’s messages create connections and increases understanding both within and across communities and cultures of the importance of learning about our history. Those who waged the intense battles of survival are still visible in our elders. El Viajero’s work spiritually transcends space and location, moving in time to reveal their tales, which when they surface, translates to those looking for a connection with others around them.“I want my work to represent identity and culture and the impact it has in the reflection of a people" he expIains, "I want my pieces to say, ‘There is a presence here, sit and listen to the story.’”
1 comment:
very nice... i'll post this around :)
Post a Comment