José Luis Alvarado

José Luis Alvarado is the husband of Patricia, the father of Joseph and Esteban Andres, and the proud grandfather of Liliana Teiko Alvarado. He is an immigrant and a first generation college graduate who comes from humble beginnings. His parents and grandparents were field laborers in southern California. Their sacrifices allowed him to pursue his studies, and in doing so, break the cycle of poverty.

 

He is a university professor and university administrator for a NYC-based university. His works are grounded in his roots and aim to depict the beauty and diversity around us as well as highlight the plight of underrepresented and marginalized communities. It is the artist’s hope that his paintings are able to relay the richness, capacity, and potential that diverse communities offer as assets.

 

The work submitted for this show was inspired by his grandfather, Ignacio Peralta, who worked as a bracero in the agricultural fields of Southern California.

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