Transcendental: David Acevedo

Opening Reception: June 7, 5-7pm

See it first. See it free. This event is open to the public. Come meet your neighbors at this free event!

David Acevedo seeks to create a fantasy landscape where his memories and history can live in peace. He tries to learn from himself with every brush stroke and allow his mind to wander the state of subconsciousness that he falls into during the creative process. The color palette he uses varies from time to time because of the ever-changing mind that dictates it. Never one to follow recipes, Acevedo creates his own mixture of mediums until he feels content.

The artwork Acevedo produces has been mislabeled under a variety of styles, but he has found descriptive labels limiting. He prefers to continue the constant search for individualism within his body of work through experimentation. The materials Acevedo uses to create his paintings are usually photographs, magazine cut-outs, acrylic paints, gesso, inks, pencils, dry and oil pastels, oils, enamels, colored markers and pens; applied to cotton rag paper or stretched canvas. A particular painting of his could have all of these mediums or as little as one, depending on his vision and mood at the time of creation. His pictorial work is recognizable by the bold colors, textures, and compositions. His imagery relates to his resistance to conformity and established stereotypes, and draws from his roots in Puerto Rico and social themes. A notable part of his work is the hidden message or symbols in the work, drawing the viewer into each piece and creating intrigue.

About David Acevedo: After moving to Southwest Florida in 2000, Acevedo established a reputation as one of the primary artists in the community. He was awarded the title of Visual Artist of the Year in 2009 and received the Gulfshore Life Magazine FACE award in 2016 for his community work in diversity and inclusion. His first professional artist studio opened in 2006, later transforming into a pioneering art gallery for artists called DAAS. He co-founded the popular Fort Myers Art Walk in 2008 and served in the core committee for the event until 2012. He is a former member of the Fort Myers Public Arts Committee. From 2013 to 2020, Acevedo contributed as Arts Editor for TOTI Media Inc., publishing numerous articles for their five local and international publications. Acevedo’s work has been featured in many magazines, including Gulfshore Life, the Fort Myers Magazine, Happenings Magazine, the Fort Myers News-Press, D’Latinos Magazine, and others. He has exhibited in the United States, Spain, and China.