20 x 20
Acrylic, paper and 1980-1990's Bolivares on Canvas
Study
2024
12 x 12
Acrylic on Wood Panel
Study
2023
36 x 48
Acrylic on Canvas
2022
Most days after school I went to my neighbor’s apartment to play. He lived a couple of doors down from me. His brother moved to Miami so he sent him all the latest toys and video games. One typical Monday afternoon I rushed home after class, finished my homework then asked mom for permission to go out. I ran down the hall, zig zagging through the shadows on the wall, to my friend’s place to play Duck Hunt. I was eager to beat his high score since he kept bragging about it during school. He played first. Turned on the Nintendo. Duck Hunt title screen popped up, game on! He vigorously moved with the ducks as he took his shot. I sat blanket in hand, patiently waiting. He made it to round 3 before his third miss. Dog laughed, his turn ended. He got up to go to the bathroom and told me to play. The sun was setting, it was beginning to get dark outside. As I grabbed the gun to start, the room light was turned off, I heard a loud door creaking followed by footsteps. Loud thunder. Wolves howling. Music began to build. Then out of the shadows, my friend ran into the room screaming! I jumped in fear, I tried to scream but terror took the sound before I made it. He laughed hysterically as “Cause this is THRILLER, Thriller night…” played in the background.
30 x 40
Acrylic on Canvas
2022
I remember when these Jordans came out. They were referred to as “Las Boxeadoras” (The boxers). I really wanted a pair but knew my mom couldn’t afford them, so I never asked. My neighbor got them for Christmas, I asked to borrow one to trace the silhouette. I drew the other parts of the shoe, cut it out and taped them to the sides of my old Chucks. As I reflected on that day, I could hear Jerry Rivera’s “Cara de Niño” playing in the background. It was a Saturday morning. I was finishing the drawing for the right shoe in the corner of our apartment with my favorite blue blanket in hand. As I added the final details, mom yelled from the room: “Michael, me recoges tus cosas que tengo que barrer”(Michael, pick up your things I have to sweep) “Soy cara de niño, con alma de hombre…” played.