David Alcantar
• – • Armadillo Boulders
About the speaker
David Alcantar
B:1978. Laredo, TX.
MFA: University of Colorado-Boulder, 2004
I have wanted to be an artist from a young age. I did not know what that meant at the time, but I have worked to become more than just a craftsman and more than just knowledgeable about artistic ideas. I have centered my practice in the belief that art, at its best, speaks to what is common in human experience more than to what is particular. Art is a unique way of speaking about what is happening in the world and I try maximizing this particular kind of speech, because it must play a substantial role in society if we are to progress into new and better versions of ourselves.
The fundamental focus of my work concerns human negotiation behavior, as it is a universal human activity, and the narrative impacts of negotiated choices on relationships (between people, environments, and experiences). There is a lack of attention regarding negotiation that results in a power imbalance and a lack of agency. My work seeks to correct this imbalance by highlighting negotiation behavior through metaphorical use of imagery. I prefer the medium of painting because of the simultaneity that is unique to painting: it is both a fantasy, depicting something which may be possible, and a reality, existing in real space and time in front of the viewer. This simultaneity makes it difficult for viewers to dismiss outright the rhetorical argument that the artwork is making. Though I may prefer painting, I utilize multiple media to convey the concepts. Whatever the process, the aim is always to push awareness about the complexities, and ultimately the beauty, of living and of growth.
Local partners
Estate Coffee Company is a small batch, craft coffee roaster and espresso bar in downtown San Antonio, Texas. We believe in sourcing the best coffee and ingredients for our beverages by working with family-owned importers and local food purveyors. We try to promote transparency by having the roasting and brewing methods front and center in our 1,200 square foot space with seating for you to watch and feel involved with the coffee roasting process.
TEKsystems supports interactive, creative and digital initiatives for clients ranging from digital agencies to Fortune 3000 companies by supplying skilled design, development, functional and marketing technology resources and solutions. As TEKsystems, we thrive at the intersection of technology and marketing thru providing resource-based solutions in the Digital, Creative, and Interactive space. Our San Antonio team specializes in providing local solutions with the backing of a national footprint ranging between web/mobile development, design, content strategy, and marketing technologies.
Modern in San Antonio is a digital publication that focuses on contemporary art and design in San Antonio and the surrounding areas. They support the visual arts community by highlighting to the public what local creatives are working on both inside and outside of our region. Their topics of interest include contemporary art, architecture, interior design, landscape architecture, graphic design, film, culinary arts, arts education, and more! Check them out at www.moderninsanantonio.com and on social media as @ModerninSA!
Armadillo Boulders is an indoor bouldering, yoga and fitness facility located in downtown San Antonio, TX. Locally-owned and operated by San Antonio natives. Featuring custom-built walls, yoga studio, and functional fitness room, our gym provides an adventurous and well-rounded wellness experience for individuals and families of all ages and abilities. Armadillo Boulders aims to be a welcoming, nourishing environment where you can find a great workout, hang out with friends, build family connections and find an inspiring new challenge.
Additional details
We continue our in-person monthly events. Please understand that safety is very important to us. Please help us respect everyones’ comfort levels and stay safe, thank you!
*Not feeling well the day of the event? We are taking safety at our event seriously, so please stay home if you have any COVID-19 symptoms, including loss of smell/taste and/or fever. Additionally, please refrain from coming if you have been recently diagnosed with COVID-19, have recently had direct contact with an individual diagnosed with or suspected to have COVID-19, or are displaying symptoms commonly associated with COVID-19.
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