Today we’d like to introduce you to Angel Rivera-Morales.
Hi Angel, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Went through lots of experimentation as an Art student. Early works reflected my experience as a young human being with influences grasped from mentors like Rafael Rivera-Rosa, Martín García-Rivera, Carmelo Fontanez, Jaime Romano, and Susana Herrero-Kunhardt. My first experiences in the Art scene were through collective exhibitions. Later on, I was able to present One Man exhibitions in Museums and Galleries around Puerto Rico.
In 2012, I relocated to Orlando, Florida. In the last couple of years, I have been dedicated to working local barbershops meanwhile developing collective projects that showcase the work of notorious Puerto Rican Artists. Keepers of Heritage being the most recent and successful one. It has been presented in Appleton Museum of Art, Crealdé School of Art, and the Albin Polasek Museum and Sculpture Gardens.
I’ve had the blessing to grow along this journey as Barber, Artist, and Cultural Manager.
In 2016, I partnered with fellow Barber Gabriel Marrero to open New Concept Barbershop and Art Gallery. A special place for the community of Southchase Village. We provide hair styling services in a contemporary art gallery space.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It is been a long journey full of challenges. Struggle has always been present along the road. It questions our decisions and tests our willpower. It ultimately makes achievements more tasteful and meaningful.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am an abstract painter, a barber, and a cultural manager.
My paintings are usually large format dynamic compositions full of energy and color. I call them oneiric landscapes. Possible worlds extracted from the unconscious, executed with intuition, passion and introspection…
One of my recent paintings “Surviving Florida” was featured as the cover of Orlando Business Journal Book of Lists 2020.
I have been a Barber for over 20 years. Since my arrival to Orlando in 2012 in have been serving the community. Since 2016, I have been operating New Concept Barbershop and Art Gallery along partner Barber Gabriel Marrero in Southchase Village Plaza.
As a Cultural Manager, I have organized collective exhibitions since 2015 been the project Keepers of Heritage the most successful one. It was presented in National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts in Chicago, Appleton Museum of Art, Ocala, Crealde School of Art and Albin Polasek Museum in Winterpark. This last one in 2020 amid the COVID pandemic.
What makes you happy?
I am the happy father of two talented teenagers. To share their development with my wife makes us happy.
I am also happy to create and share the way I see the world with others. As well as creating opportunities for fellow Artists.
Contact Info:
- Email: angelriveramorales@yahoo.com
- Website: https://www.angelriveramorales.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/angelriveramorales/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alriveramorales/
