Interview: Alan Lacke Cairo
Luca Curci talks with Alan Lacke Cairo during Venice International Art Fair 2020 and FRAGMENTED IDENTITIES, second appointment of BORDERS Art Fair 2020 at THE ROOM Contemporary Art Space.

My art is based on scientific information, mathematical laws, cosmic energies and history. I use the simplest elements to represent my ideas, so the most basic forms and above all color are essential in my works. A previous study of the line and gesture is paramount as ways to find that harmony that represents order in the universe and color as an instrument to convey sensations to those who contemplate my paintings. There is always a search for the essential in my work, of the spirit of the things, of what is beyond the surface, of the visible. I try to bring the viewer to a silent contemplation that conveys to him an almost mystical sense of seeing the world. It is therefore an abstract painting in which the spontaneous, safe and free expression of the artist’s gesture when painting is of fundamental importance. But without ever neglecting a previous detailed study of the pictorial exercise and the final composition.

Luca Curci – What are you currently working on? 
Alan Lacke Cairo – I am currently working on two series, one on paper and the other on point. Of the paper I would like to say that it is a material that in addition to being millennial has served as an information vehicle for artists and the media throughout human development. This series consists of the high precision openwork of colored cardstocks, creating geometric shapes which he installed on cardboard using white glue. I try to evoke the dynamism of life and highlight the material itself, its beauty and its usefulness. In the series of the point I wanted to develop a detailed study of the point using some support canvases that I work very often. With oil and acrylic pigments well diluted using brushes in some cases and also some tools created by me by hand representing the concept of direct printing. Where with a single touch towards the surface I am harmoniously composing designs full of colors and joy with only dots or spots that are reflected in my canvases. I try to convey to the viewer that we can find beauty with the slightest gesture and that life is full of many small details, in this case we have small points that are capable of making us feel multiple sensations and find the necessary harmony and rhythm as in a beautiful musical note.

LC – What’s your background? What is the experience that has influenced your work the most? 
ALC – I have always had a natural attraction for color, design and art. I come from studying a graphic arts career, which led me to work for many years in a printing company. There I had to coexist between papers and inks and already immersed in this world I begin to develop an immense passion for color and paper. All this has served as a fundamental concept in my current work as an artist. I have dedicated myself to mixing colors with each other, achieving different ranges and incredible shades that influence both me and the viewer of my work. With these colors that I am generating I only invite the viewer to a silent contemplation of an almost mystical sense of seeing the world.

LC – Which is the role the artist plays in the society? And the contemporary art?
ALC – Artists and art in general have the task of inviting all human beings to learn to think for ourselves. In the world there is a beyond what is seen. Society has only imposed standards on us that have made us increasingly unhappy and ignorant. Constant learning is always the only way to feel fulfilled and useful in life.

LC – What is your creative process like?
ALC – My creative process is based on learning, work and fun. I just try to let myself go for the moment and I am unloading my energy in the works that I generate. But above all I try to understand why things happen and what is happening during the creative process, which leads me to develop concentration and a state of here and now that is reflected in my work through gestures and colors. I am one of those who think that inspiration comes working as other artists have said before. As soon as you start working you find all the possible ways and solutions to face the new work that is beginning.

LC – Which art themes do you pursue? What is your preferred subject, if there is any?
ALC – Well as well reflected in my work I pursue abstraction in art. I consider that life and the world will become more abstract every day. In artistic abstraction many of my passions come together, such as music, mathematics, algebra, geometry, cosmic energies and also history.

LC – What is the message linked to the artwork you have shown in this exhibition? How is it connected to the theme of the entire festival? 
ALC – My two works exhibited at the Festival are based on the spontaneous gesture of very liquid pigments that I trace with a brush, also supporting me in the creation of tools elaborated by me by hand to represent the concept of direct printing in the press. They represent two very different color ranges, one of which is based on warmth and the other with more tropical, more vibrant colors, acquiring a certain touch of character through the use of gold and silver inks. It is therefore an abstract painting in which the spontaneous, safe and free expression of gesture when I paint is of fundamental importance. But without ever neglecting a previous detailed study of the pictorial exercise and the final composition. There is always a search for the essential within my work, for the spirit of things, for what lies beyond the surface, beyond what is visible. The works try to suppress barriers, differences, limits and create a universal language in which to take the viewer to a silent contemplation that transmits an almost mystical and globalized sense of seeing the world. Immediately visualize these two works to participate in “BORDERS”, they also have many points of similarity with Venice for the use of gouache with pigments and the vibrant colors that have a lot to do with the essence of this ancient city.

LC – Do you agree with our vision of art and what do you think about the theme of the festival?  
ALC – I find the artistic vision of the Itsliquid very accurate. They have made a meticulous, intelligent selection and with multiple different artistic minks that create an exhibition of a high artistic level in which diversity is shown and make us have a globalized concept of what current in art means. The two exhibitions present a very contemporary vision of art and the good management of the project is noticeable both in promotion and management in a general sense of what is an art event of international level. They have known to be at the height and level of the city they represent. With a very professional staff and of great artistic value within the entire group. Good taste characterizes them and I just hope to continue enjoying many more Festivals, it is an event that today’s world needs because art saves and develops humanity.

LC – What do you think about the organization of our event?  
ALC – It is an event that has been very well run, they have known how to set the times. Especially in this current context so difficult in times of global pandemic. They were able to carry out an Art Festival that, in addition to exhibiting wonderful works of art in their exhibition halls, had to maintain all the necessary security measures to guarantee the safety of artists and visitors. The promotion and marketing work has been wonderful, managing to generate very high value content. And they are things that are appreciated because above all they are educational and instructive. I define it as an event of very good management and organization.

LC – Do you think ITSLIQUID GROUP can represent an opportunity for artists?
ALC – Of course they do, they do it all the time, it is a portal to the art world. Thanks to its diffusion and its reach reaching thousands of people interested in art. Where there are concentrated artists of very high level and with very advanced careers in this art circuit. What makes Itsliquid an opportunity for artists from all over the world. In my very particular case I am a young Cuban plastic artist who started my career. Itsliquid has given me the opportunity to present in its rooms with other international artists. Which makes me very grateful to the project and to the working group.

LC – What is your idea about ITSLIQUID GROUP?
ALC – Itsliquid Group is an ambitious and above all contemporary art project. Where multiple artistic disciplines come together from architecture to painting. Taking a very modern approach to art. Inviting artists from different latitudes to join their ranks and together advance the world by making known the artistic value that currently exists. I just hope they keep growing more and more because they work hard for it. Creating multiple events and exhibitions in different parts of the world. I feel very lucky to be able to participate in this festival together with other artists and with Itsliquid Group in Venice in such a wonderful and necessary event for life. I wish you every success that will not be few for the clever way you are working.