Alvin Christopher takes a passion for social justice and
channels it into dynamic mixed media art which reminds viewers of how fragile
life can be and the importance of treasuring each moment. His dapper appearance
belies the struggles of his life.
“…since I was a child…since I can remember picking up a
pencil,” he answers, when asked how long he’s been creating images. He
considers his ease with art to be a gift from his mother, who encouraged his
earliest attempts. He hasn’t stopped since then, honing his skills and
experimenting with a variety of forms.
A first look at Christopher’s work demands a second one. The
compelling images seem to deliver news headlines, as he offers thought-provoking
depictions of natural and human-made issues. From his horizontal 3-dimensional depiction
of the damage wrought on the Interstate 10 twin span by Hurricane Katrina, to
the biology lesson of the words we keep in our heart, Christopher pulls no
punches in expressing the pain he has personally experienced and his anger at
the pain endured by others.
His love of mixed media leads him to take things which are
not typically considered artistic and turn them into imaginative displays of
highly artistic content, recycling found items into finished products with the
addition of more traditional art media. While no photograph can do justice to
his work, the powerful images beg for repetitive, reflective study. Within each
piece, a heartbeat of truth grabs the viewer and demands consideration. With
bold colors and startling images, Christopher brings people of all races and
perspectives to a common table of humanity.
Ask a viewer to interpret a given piece and the answer may
be shockingly different from your own. Each of the images opens doors to
dialogues and discussions of freedom, rights and circumstances. Christopher
lays his own heart bare in his work and invites viewers to do the same as they
relate to each piece. He refuses to be pigeonholed on a single subject,
preferring to use his art to walk on dangerous ground with bold ideas designed
to make viewers uncomfortable in complacency.
Christopher is more than an artist creating strong images.
He is also a mentor, reaching out to people marginalized by society and encouraging
them to identify their own artistic voice. He also works on commission for
custom pieces.
He was born in Mississippi, grew up in New Orleans in the
Irish Channel neighborhood and now makes his home in Slidell, LA. Art moved
from a hobby to a vocation after the turmoil of Hurricane Katrina in 2005. He
hopes to eventually branch out into multimedia work, including film. Supplementing
his art income as a cook, he brings an artistic touch to his dishes, as well.
At present, Alvin Christopher’s work is on display at Artists’ Galleries de Juneau at 2143
First St. in the Olde Towne section of Slidell; Connie’s Depot off of
Brownswitch, also in Slidell; and a few other small shops in the community. His
art deserves a home in private collections and corporate spaces. This isn’t “pretty”
art to hang on a wall and ignore; this is art at its most powerful, demanding
involvement and action.
