Globally renowned and celebrated for his exquisitely crafted lush and brilliant works, Jose Alvarez (D.O.P.A.) brings an extraordinary life story to a rich and compelling body of work in a variety of media. Born Deyvi Orangel Peña Arteaga, using his moniker Jose Alvarez (D.O.P.A.), he is a versatile artist who creates paintings/collages on mica, videos, installations, and performances. Through his artistic expressions, he deconstructs belief systems by exploring the interplay of science, spirituality, and mysticism. In 1984, artist Jose Alvarez (D.O.P.A) fled Venezuela to escape persecution as a gay man. Twenty-five years later, Alvarez took false papers and was charged with identity theft. Due to immigration violations, he was detained at Krome Detention Center in Miami for two months in 2012. During this time, he created a series of portraits of his fellow detainees using ballpoint pens and whatever paper he could find. From its remarkably arduous and modest beginnings, his art has matured into a thriving creative practice, gaining acknowledgment from significant institutions worldwide.

Alvarez has exhibited and performed at numerous venues, including the Whitney Museum of American Art, The Norton Museum of Art, and The Kemper Art Museum. Join us for a special afternoon with an artist who truly embodies the indomitable power of the creative spirit.

Artist Talk | Jose Alvarez (D.O.P.A.)
Saturday, November 18
11:00 am–12:00 pm
Marly Room
$15 MFA Members; $30 Not-yet Members
Museum Admission is included with the Program Ticket
Registration Required

Image: Jose Alvarez (D.O.P.A.) photo by Zachary Balber