About Tanya Alvarez

Artist Biography and Statement
My paintings and involvement in the art world reflect my vivid, and colorful Xicana/o culture. My work embraces my ancestors ancient traditions and artistic style with contemporary secular issues that I am passionate about today.
My mission is to bridge the cultural gap between the traditional and nontraditional by using my skills in visual art to create positive change. I plan on accomplishing this by emphasizing vivid regional imagery that elicits recognition and appreciation from both the academic and social realms. At the same time it serves as a source of education for others not familiar with the richness of our heterogeneous culture and stimulates tolerance and appreciation for ancient civilizations and fine art. My ten years experience working within the field of human services, a B.A. in Studio arts, and minor studies in Psychology help integrate my ideas onto the canvas. My paintings are usually allegorical using the human figure. My goal is to create constant connections through art for people of all cultures, especially those going through transitions in their life. I use symbology as a subconscious element to create mental images, which create new mental and spiritual connections. The symbology I use are from long hours of research of local ancient art (Azteca/Mayan) many hours of research of evolutionary Psychology as a student at the University of Arizona, and genuine experiences in my life.
I a fifth generation Xicana born in Tucson, Arizona on July 4, 1974 but I have the eclectic influences of the Spanish and the Indigenous because I was a military brat and have traveled to many places. I have been painting and drawing since a child taught by my father Emiterio Alvarez (from San Antonio,TX) and encouraged by my mother Minerva Monje Alvarez (from Douglas, AZ). I understand the psychological implications of fine art because of my experiences dealing with my own cultural identity and social stigmas as a student and mother. Spain was a major influence in my artwork since I was a child who grew up in a traditional Spanish environment-- visiting huge castles and museums in Toledo-- I fell in love with the ornate gold leaf, beautiful classical figures in paintings, and dramatic light. I also remembered running freely through the neighbors cornfields, picking snails with the old villagers after it rained, bathing in the village water wells and dancing wildly with the poor gypsies and flamenco dancers. These experiences helped me to appreciate and love people and insignificant events that are so special. Ironically throughout the struggle of a cultural identity and xenophobia as a child, it was an art teacher that recognized and nurtured my potential as an artist. Her name was Brenda Semanick. Unfortunately, because of cultural pressures I ended up pregnant and married twice and with no avail I was divorced twice. The murder of a close friend by domestic violence helped put my life into perspective. My struggles did not stop me--they led to a freeing of my spirit. I continued painting and studying Psychology (helped understand myself) and studied the Aztecs and the pyramids that still amaze me today. I traveled to Guatemala and met beautiful bohemian minds and intellects that studied the mysteries of the east. Most of all I was embraced by the local Mayan curanderas in which I hold close to my heart today and connect with on a continual basis. Now, after 15 years of living in Tucson, three children, two divorces, my passion for painting and people has re-emerged and manifested into a wonderful journey.
Culture and the arts are essential to the quality of life. They help identify our place in the world and provide opportunities for creative expression and universal connections. I have made a commitment to continue to give back to all communities and all people especially women and children of today with this in mind.