In his new solo exhibition at Hecho a Mano, Oaxacan artist Alberto Cruz presents a new set of his signature prints, characterized by simple shapes, clean lines, and high contrasts, all of which convey the complexity of human emotions. These visual narratives inspired by the theme of childhood have the potential to tell multiple stories without using words. The concept of the exhibition revolves around four large-scale prints depicting a boy and a girl, two fictional characters often present in Cruz’s creative process. “I always try to create some sort of stories, but I can never finish them in a conventional book format because visual storytelling is very different from text”, the artist says. In the end, he lets the images speak for themselves, without providing any captions or dialogue. As a result, the story lacks a clear sense of progression. This non-linear approach presents main characters in various situations, abandoning traditional narrative continuity.
This selection consists of 15 linocuts, a technique central to both his individual practice and his collaborative work at Burro Press printmaking collective in Oaxaca City. “I use high contrasts, which means black-and-white lines and stains. I almost always use black and red, I like how they work together—they have a lot of symbolism”, Cruz explains. In his artistic process, the artist seeks to create balance between narrative, composition and work dimensions. He often juxtaposes children with beasts and dangerous creatures; based on the proportion of the elements he wants to achieve, he decides which monstrous figure to include: a three headed creature, a serpent, or a dragon. Cruz notes that his images originate from a consistent creative space, often sketched on letter-sized paper. Once completed, the preparatory drawings “speak to him”, guiding Cruz's technical and dimensional decisions for the final pieces. “Drawing is what I enjoy the most. It is like writing—when you are drawing, you are telling what is happening in your life”, says Cruz. Looking back at his drawings, he often finds connections between the images and what he was thinking at the time: “When I have a lot of ideas or excitement about a theme—something I can’t stop thinking about—I can just draw for a whole month.”




Cruz notes that none of his works have titles or background context. This invites observers to interpret each piece in their own way. “The art cycle ends with the viewer. The artist gives only 50%”, he says. “Viewers make the images their own. Through the lens of their life experiences, they give the artwork meaning”. The opportunity to connect with people through images is what Cruz enjoys most about his role as a creator. He recalls how some people have even immortalized his images through tattoos: “My images are very easy to replicate”, he points out, adding that there is no mystery around his art; it is accessible and easy to understand. Alberto Cruz will open at Hecho a Mano on Friday, December 6 and will be on view until January 1, 2025.
Thank you to everyone who came to Alberto's Opening.
What a fantastic turn out!


