Jose Alvarez (D.O.P.A) was born in Venezuela and currently lives and works in South Florida. He attended the School of the Visual Arts and is known for his colorful, contemporary paintings and mixed media. He began his career by making a name for himself through charismatic performances where he “channeled” the 2,000-year-old spirit of a shaman named Carlos; these performances have been viewed by millions across the world.
Alvarez has also exhibited his work most recently at Marlborough Gallery, New York, The Moore Space, Miami, Gavlak, West Palm Beach, Ratio 3, San Francisco, as well as in the 2002 Whitney Biennial, “We Are Electric,” at Jeffrey Deitch, and “Cosmic Wonder” at the Yerba Buena Center for The Arts. Alvarez’s work will be included in the upcoming Exhibition “Altered States” at The Norton Museum of Art in Palm Beach and was included in the exhibition “Psychedelic: Optical and Visionary Art since the 1960s” at the San Antonio Museum of Art.
In Episode #2, we discuss leaving his country due to homophobia and violence, being held at an immigration detention center for 2 months, borders, his art practice, art as a savior, true love, and more.
LISTEN and SUBSCRIBE on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Stitcher!
Here are a few works by Jose Alvarez (D.O.P.A.) courtesy of Gavlak Gallery:
Fearless, Limitless and Free, 2015-2019
Dragon Hunter #4, 2018
“Ghost” drawing
Orlin “el Pajaro” (bird), Honduras, Krome #318, Blue, 18 years old.
