Interview with Alfaro Carozzi
I am an admirer of Fauvism which lasted 1904 to 1908. The leaders of the movement were Matisse and Andre Derain. The paintings are characterized by flat shapes and controlled lines. The paintings express emotion with dissonant colors without regard for the subject’s natural colors. The subjects painted are women and still life placing the figures in fully realized interiors. I work with a brilliant Fauvist palette and add muted tones. I use color as the foundation of expressive, decorative paintings. I want my art to be like Matisse “of balance, of purity and serenity devoid of troubling or depressing subject matter. Art that will be a soothing calming influence on the mind.”
Can you pinpoint the moment you decided you wanted to become an artist?
Yes, I was taking a painting class at Teachers College, Columbia University and I had enrolled in a Master’s program with professor Elsa Bekala. My first painting was chosen for an exhibition at the end of the term. This confirmed the encouragement that I had received from my professor through the term. It was not one day when I decided but I felt such pride at being part of the exhibition and I felt so excited that I wanted to have this feeling again so that is what I do. I paint and then exhibit my work.
Where is your studio and where are you from?
My studio is in Fort Lauderdale and at times it is in Lima, Peru. I live in Peru part of the year. I am originally from Lima, Peru.
Tell us a little about your artistic background. What were your first influences to be creative and become a serious artist?
I studied Film at Hunter College in New York City and later Art at Teachers College, Columbia University. I continued my studies at the Arts Students League in NYC. My first influence was Matisse. After creating my own art I would identify with him. I created paintings that expressed emotions. As a child I had studied Poetry and learned to recite. I learned then to visualize the poem and feel the emotion. I transferred this knowledge onto my paintings. I use color as the foundation of expressive decorative paintings.
Can you tell us what you have going on right now?
At the moment I am merging my interest in decorative art and period furniture. These two help me create my figures and place them in fully realised interiors. My knowledge of film helps me to create these interiors.
Can you describe how an average working day for you is like? Do you work on many creatures at once or one at a time?
I work on several painting at the same time. I can work with three paintings and they are all work in progress.
What makes your art different from others?
I have developed my own style through the years and it is consistent throughout my work. It is different. It plays a decorative roll. My art will dress a room in the same way a dress will dress a woman. It is also playful and happy.
In your opinion, what role does the artist have in society? What do you hope that others will gain from viewing your art?
I want them to gain pleasure like when you observe a beautiful vase and examine it to see what it has. I create decorative art. Art that will reach your soul and bring delight and even happiness. I think that the role of the artist is to record history and events as well as fashion and decorative arts to show the world things they might have not seen but this is done thru the eyes of the artist.
What’s the most important element in your artwork?
I believe it is color, line, drawing and its decorative nature. My figures are flat and evoke memories of Fauvism.
That being said, are there any lessons that you’ve learned that you could pass on to the younger generation of artists as they begin their journeys?
I had a teaching career which I worked simultaneously with art. This allowed me to continue my artistic development.
What’s on the horizon for you?
At the moment I am preparing myself for two shows. One is Ciffa, in March at the Boca Beach Club in Florida and the other one in September at the Boat show in Monaco with Art Upclose gallery.
You can purchase Alfaro Carozzi artworks on SINGULART:
https://www.singulart.com/en/artist/alfaro-carozzi-33693?campaign_id=1049.
Website: www.alfarocarozzi.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rosaalfarocarozzi/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fortunellafineart
