From Cinematic Semiotics to Traditional Themes: The Art of Carlos Charlie Perez
Carlos Charlie Perez, born in 1982 in Fort Lauderdale, FL, is a contemporary artist celebrated for his distinctive approach to painting.
Now based in Brooklyn, NY, Perez earned his BFA from The Cooper Union in 2004, and since then, he has made a great development in contemporary art with his compelling themes.
Perez’s artistic journey is deeply intertwined with his heritage as a first-generation Cuban American raised in South Florida.
This cultural backdrop significantly influences his work, enriching it with a unique perspective that blends his personal history with broader social themes.
Carlos Charlie Perez: Artwork (left) halston in mexico, 2023 - Acrylic on serape, 54x54 inches. This vibrant piece by Carlos Charlie Perez merges the iconic image of King Kong with rich Mexican serape patterns, exploring themes of cultural identity and historical narrative through a bold use of color and symbolism. Artwork (right) kayfabe, 2024 - Acrylic on faux suede and plaid, 54x54 inches. In this dynamic composition, Carlos Charlie Perez incorporates tartan patterns and abstract forms to delve into the concept of authenticity versus performance, creating a visually striking and thought-provoking piece.
His interdisciplinary practice spans photography, painting, and printmaking, all of which are imbued with his passion for the moving image and typography.
This diverse mix of mediums showcases his versatility and depth as an artist.
His work has been prominently featured in exhibitions, including the group show "Salat Days" at Personal Space, where his pieces stood out for their originality and emotional resonance.
Perez is known for reconfiguring traditional painting conventions by exploring themes such as Americana, race, sports culture, and abstraction.
drawing_assemblage_01 - Combining textiles and paint, this piece showcases a vivid depiction of a canine form on a striped background. The use of bold colors and mixed media invites viewers to explore themes of animal symbolism and cultural narratives. drawing_assemblage_02 - In this striking assemblage, Carlos Charlie Perez integrates a stark white background with bold red crosses and military camouflage. The piece is accentuated by an intense patch featuring a menacing figure, highlighting themes of conflict and identity. drawing_assemblage_03 - This work captures a nostalgic yet unsettling image of a child with a painted skeleton overlay. The handwritten notes "lexicon" and "lepricon" add layers of meaning, questioning memory and perception through a playful yet haunting lens. drawing_assemblage_04 - This work captures a nostalgic yet unsettling image of a child with a painted skeleton overlay. The handwritten notes "lexicon" and "lepricon" add layers of meaning, questioning memory and perception through a playful yet haunting lens.
These themes are not just presented but are deconstructed and reimagined through his lens, offering viewers a fresh and thought-provoking experience.
One of the defining characteristics of Perez's work is his use of the cinematic technique known as "breaking the fourth wall."
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Personal Space - Group Show with Carlos Charlie Perez
This approach, where actors address the audience directly, creates a sense of intimacy and immediacy. Perez translates this technique onto his canvases, engaging viewers in a direct and personal dialogue.
His paintings extend beyond the visual, inviting an exploration of deeper, often unconventional themes in a dynamic and engaging manner.
In essence, Carlos Charlie Perez’s art is a vibrant tapestry of cultural reflection, innovative technique, and profound thematic exploration.
Carlos Charlie Perez: Artwork (left) peccadillos, 2023 - Acrylic on bedsheet, 54x54 inches. In this dynamic artwork, Carlos Charlie Perez uses vivid greens and intricate skeletal forms to create a striking and thought-provoking composition. Artwork(right) friends and things, 2022 - Acrylic on cotton, 54x54 inches. This piece by Carlos Charlie Perez features an array of vibrant flags and logos painted over bold black and white stripes, exploring themes of identity and commercialism.
His ability to blend traditional artistic tropes with contemporary narrative forms sets him apart in the contemporary art scene, making his work both captivating and intellectually stimulating.
Perez himself articulates his artistic vision with clarity:
"Using the semiotics of film to construct paintings as multi-framed objects, my work employs lighting and narrative themes derived from the moving image.
I’m interested in reconfiguring traditional tropes and painting conventions through themes such as Americana, race, sports culture, and abstraction.
Dominique Catherina Foertig
Carlos Charlie Perez -> Expand your Bubble new faces in contemporary art you have to follow on Instagram now ->
In film, when an actor speaks to the audience through the lens of the camera, it appears they are having a conversation outside the established frame through the performance convention called 'breaking the fourth wall.'
I strive for a similar effect whereby paintings extend the conversation outside the confines of the canvas and allow for exploring non-traditional themes for the viewer and myself."
Carlos Charlie Perez
Follow the Promising Artist: Carlos Charlie Perez
Carlos Charlie Perez is an emerging artist to watch, offering a refreshing perspective that bridges traditional art forms with contemporary themes and techniques.
His work not only challenges conventional boundaries but also invites viewers to engage in a broader dialogue about culture and identity.
Dominique Catherina Foertig
New faces in contemporary art -> Artist to Watch -> Read more
Follow Carlos Charlie Perez on Instagram for more informations, current projects and new artworks in the making.
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