ART

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Preston Lopez was raised in the Washington Heights neighborhood of New York City and is of Dominican descent. In junior high school, he took an interest in drawing and painting and was encouraged by a teacher to apply to high schools specializing in the arts. He auditioned for several schools, including Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts, but decided on The High School of Art and Design in Manhattan. After graduating Preston attended Kingsborough Community College in New York, to study music and vocal as a major for a short period of time.

Inspired by the innovations of Andy Warhol, the graffiti-style works of Keith Haring, and later the creativity, bold colors and message in the artworks of Jean-Michel Basquiat, he began to take a more serious approach to painting. "I truly felt very connected to these artists," says Lopez. "Although different, each had a place and space in my work and also they made it in New York City!"

Preston Lopez's paintings range from politics, poverty, injustice, message art, and reckoning to stick figures, doodling, elephants, and African-inspired faces. Lopez's works can be described as (but not limited to) Neo-Expressionism, Pop Art, Primitivism, global environmental, culturally diverse, and multifaceted. On July 1, 2023 Preston Lopez had his first solo art show at EV GALLERY 621 East 11th Street in New York City. He sold many paintings and the event became an instant success.

If youre interest in purchasing the artworks paintings of Preston Lopez send measage to prestonlopez@hotmail.com when they become available in the summer of 2024.