Cole Alegria is a graphic designer and multidisciplinary artist originating from California. In his works, he seeks to connect his designs or artworks to contemporary theory, research, and data. Cole is heavily influenced by popular media, and news as a source of inspiration for developing ideas for artworks. Once he’s completed his BA in Graphic Design, he plans to either return home to working as a cook while building his portfolio, or staying in Milledgeville to work in print shops before going on to apply for MFA programs. His current series, In Plain Sight, is a series of screen prints which use satire to emphasize the absurdity in idolizing firearms.
Project Statement
In Plain Sight is a body of work that uses typographic, symbolic, and metaphoric imagery to construct absurd compositions that reflect the consequences of gun idolization in America. Using graphic design, photography, and screen printing, the series presents a variety of mediums that act as visual arguments, targeting the contradictions within the normalization of firearms. Drawing inspiration from art movements like Dada and contemporary artists like Barbara Kruger and Joseph Guay, the work uses satirical subject matter with typography to emphasize the abnormal nature of sanctifying firearms. Photography serves as the primary medium for the work, anchoring its subject matter closer to reality. Screen printing historically refers to traditional political protest traditions, while graphic design sharpens legibility and pushes the series’ context to its fullest extent. In Plain Sight doesn’t only reflect America’s conflict with gun idolization, it satirically deconstructs issues that continue to be a problem today.
Artist Statement Revised
I am a multidisciplinary artist working primarily with typography, graphic design, photography, and printmaking. My inspiration comes from the way art can synthesize movements, philosophies, and cultures, presenting critical issues in a digestible language. My artwork is rooted within this critical observation, being drawn to the contradictions that lie within our society, especially when religious rhetoric is misused by institutions. My works are often experimental, whether that is through photographic processes that achieve abstract results, or by using different mathematical formulas to create textures layering my work.
Growing up in a Cuban family, I am surrounded by figures who are extremely critical of everything in society. Conversations with them are hardly ever passive, they are consistently skeptical, and distrustful of our government. Being around them prompted me to question a lot regarding those in power, to look beneath the surface to see if there’sanything fallacious. Recently, I’ve had the privilege of meeting people who offer different views regarding life. Still, they were critical of the government, but through a different lens, one more left leaning. Experiencing different perspectives developed my understanding of cultural, religious, and social beliefs. The culmination of my knowledge is expressed through my art where I work to fully explore my creative abilities.