Ruben Acosta artscenetoday featured artist

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r u b e n a c o s t a

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1st PLACE WINNER

THE LAVENDER ISSUE: LGBT ART TODAY

Competition

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ruben acosta

whittier, california/USA

THINKER

Assemblage of found objects

n/a

n/a USD

http://salvageconcepts.com

racosta@salvageconcepts.com

artist statement

Ever since I can remember, I picked things up; a broken motorcycle mirror in the alley, a rusted pipe from the back yard, a little red wagon left behind. Abandoned objects that possessed an unknown past, discarded present, and no relevant future. Working with what's been identified as trash to some has become my life's passion.

Growing up in South El Monte, too close to gang activity, too familiar with drug and alcohol abuse, with too many events of separation and despair, placed me in an environment full of dysfunction and discard. I searched for what I could salvage from within, looking at my own experience, my own existence, my own strength, and found passion as an artist.

bio

Ruben Acosta's art work has been showcased in various Los Angeles fine art galleries, including LAAA/Gallery 825, and highlighted in Arts & Understanding National AIDS Magazine.

AWARDS/MEMBERSHIPS

2010 recipient of juried membership call for Los Angeles Arts Association

EXIBITION HISTORY

2010
Los Angeles Art Association, Gallery 825 GEM Group Show
EcologicalART Gallery, Revisions Group Show
Mi Alma, Customs Designs

2009

Los Angeles Art Association, Gallery 825 Open Show
Art Scene Today, Finalist December
Art Scene Today, Finalist October
Belsito-Roche Fine Art Gallery, Eco-Chic
The Loft at Liz Gallery, Diverted Destruction II

2008
2nd St. Cigar Art Gallery
Los Angeles, Downtown Art Walk, Gorilla Art Show
A&U National AIDS Magazine, Artist Profile
Salvage Concepts Video

2004
A&U National AIDS Magazine, Body Politic Colum January - December

2003
Rhapsody on Rails, Short Film
A&U National AIDS Magazine, Body Politic Colum January- August

2002
Poz Magazine, Climb Every Mountain Article

ArtSceneToday Q&A

Q: Where do you see yourself in the art scene today?

A: I am a new artist, an artist who seeks to be inspired and values the concept of mentoring and appreciates fine art.

Q: What is in your inspiration?

A: Someone once said trash is just a lack of imagination. I’m inspired by the things I find that people have thrown away.

Q: What are your challenges?

A: My challenges are the same as many of the artists I’ve spoken with- trying to come to terms with appreciating the beauty of my art without any expectations.

Q: How did you/do you choose your medium?

A: My medium came about as a challenge for myself to see something that was no longer in use and discarded, and bring some type of beauty back to it, and I decided to do it through sculpture.

Q: Which artist has influenced you the most?

A: After spending many years with my partner, who had the desire and challenge to introduce me to his art world and the broader environment of fine art, I began to wonder if I wasn’t capable of designing and developing my own artistic creativities, so I was inspired to be an artist by my partner.