Location: Nucleus House 1137 NE Alberta St, Portland, OR 97211
October 6 - 29, 2023
Opening Reception: October 6 / 5pm - 7pm
October 6 - 29, 2023
Opening Reception: October 6 / 5pm - 7pm
Adrian Contreras (California)
Adrian Contreras (B.1987, Santa Maria, CA) is an illustrator and designer based out of Los Angeles, CA. In 2017, he received his BFA in Illustration Design from Art Center College of Design.
Adrian primarily works with airbrush using water based acrylics. Inspired by 70's West Coast airbrush art, Chicano culture, skateboarding and his affinity for cats, Adrian's work explores topics of internet culture, mortality and social commentary of Latin American culture.
Show Description:
N1ne Liv3s arises from the desire to explore the relationship between Southern California's iconic airbrush art and Chicano lowrider culture through a series of thirteen illustrated airbrushed pieces. The exhibition considers the interwinding themes of luck, superstition and resilience through felines and the number 13. The title of the exhibition is inspired by the old supernatural proverb that cats have nine lives. Through these works, the different versions of you, your life, and the paths you could have taken are showcased alongside the beauty in all the triumphs and the losses. Each piece is inspired by and pays homage to 90’s lowrider Chicano aesthetics, West Coast & Japanese 70’s airbrush art, nostalgic 90’s illustrations, and iconic works by artists such as Judy Baca, Mr. Cartoon, and Dave Willardson. Adrian Contreras lives and works in Los Angeles, California. He obtained his B.F.A. at Art Center College of Design, focused on illustration and design. His work spans illustration, digital art, to airbrushing where he collaborates alongside various skateboarding companies within the apparel industry.