Alex Yanes Talks About Taking Life As It Comes With Crybaby

When you first meet Alex Yanes, you are struck by how laid-back and approachable he is. Born in Miami, he is the product of both the ever-evolving, fast-paced city and the burgeoning art scene. Yet, he is as real and approachable as they come. In a city filled with wild characters and over-saturated personalities, Yanes is refreshingly humble, preferring instead to let his vibrant and colorful artwork take center stage.

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1x: Tell us a little bit about this piece, anything immediate you would like us to highlight about this image?
Alex Yanes: Getting up when you fall down and trying again, never giving up, never quitting. That’s what the “crybaby” is about. We all have to take punches in life, this piece is a reminder to get up and dust yourself off.

1x: Was this piece part of a recent theme, series or show that you had? If so how did it fit into that given grouping?
Yanes: This piece was part of a 6 piece series for the “gumbo” group show at Thinkspace gallery in Los Angeles.

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1x: What materials were used to create this piece?
Yanes: I used spray enamel, acrylic and export resin to create the original on wood and skateboard pieces. I hand cut all of my work with a jigsaw, sand and hand paint all the pieces, then assemble them. I learned how to use power tools building skate ramps when I was a kid. We had no concrete skate parks in Miami when I was growing up, so we had to make due.

1x: When was this piece created?
Yanes: I did this back in 2014.

1x: Tell us how the idea and execution came about for this image?
Yanes: I wanted to create an image using separate individually painted pieces that tell a story when combined, almost like a jigsaw puzzle. Something that only makes sense when it’s joined together.

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1x: How long did this piece take to create from start to finish?
Yanes: I like to work on more than 1 piece at a time, it makes me feel like I’m being more productive. I would say about 1 week.

1x: What is unique about this image compared with your other work?
Yanes: I feel that this particular piece really captures my story and creative influences.

1x: Why should people buy this one of these prints?
Yanes: “crybaby” is one of my all time favorites to date, it’s also my first print release.

1x: Describes this image in one gut reaction word.
Yanes: Original.

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Crybaby by Alex Yanes – Click To View

1x: We’re releasing this edition during this year’s Art Basel Miami, you’re a local down here, but when was the first year you headed out to Art Basel?
Yanes: I think 2006. I was part of a group show with Tatiana Suarez and Francesco Locastro at the Antikulture gallery in Wynwood. My first experience with Basel was very underground, artist were doing there own thing separated from the big art fairs and trying to tap into the Basel crowd.

1x: What have your experiences been like so far?
Yanes: Beyond my wildest dreams and expectations!

1x: What are some of your favorite aspects about heading to Miami each December? As a local, what are some of your least favorite aspects?
Yanes: Favorite aspect is spending time with artist friends who I don’t get to see often. Worst aspect is the traffic and not much sleep.

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1x: What other activation or events will you have while you’re down in Miami?
Yanes: I’m showcasing 6 new pieces at the Scope Art fair with Thinkspace gallery, a solo show of large scale works at Ligne Atelier and this 20′ installation at the Juxtapoz Clubhouse.

1x: Any big shows or events coming up that you’d like to share?
Yanes: a couple of museum shows with Thinkspace gallery and a few projects I need to keep on the hush for now.

1x: Where else can people find you?
Alex Yanes: WebsiteInstagram @alexyanes – Facebook

– 1xRUN