By Carolina de la Cajiga
“In the last birthday congratulations letter my father sent me, shortly before he died, he suggested imagining what I wanted to be and, after deciding, I should review my master plan in the following 5, 10, and 20 years. He also advised me not to make alternative plans, but to focus on what I had chosen.” This is the reason Alejandro Anaya Fink became a visual artist.
Alejandro has a degree in Communication Sciences from Tecnológico de Monterrey. Twenty two years ago, he founded AF (Anaya Finck, his initials), a public relations and communications company. However, following his father’s exhortation, he reflected and concluded that drawing makes him the happiest. This passion has increased over the years and opened the way to painting, engraving, and filmmaking. After all these years, his artwork has maintained his childhood spontaneity and playfulness. This is uncommon, as becoming mature often equals boring. Maybe that’s why his art charms people. It’s fresh yet forceful.
When he visited Florence, Italy, he sat in coffee shops drawing his interpretation of life passing by. People stopped to watch and conversations happened. They were smitten by the freedom of his intentionally imperfect strokes that show the flair of his imagination. This keeps happening every time he brings out his cachivaches (trinkets) to draw in public. «It’s one thing to say I’m an artist and another to be recognized as one by others,» says Alejandro with a smile. It fills him with joy and pride when, looking at his work, people say, “I’ve seen nothing like this before”.
Drawing faces thrills Alejandro the most. He describes his technique, “I apply warm tones on one side and cold ones on the other to show the different facets of the same person: the humanistic versus the rational and objective”. His portraits reveal the soul of the sitter, the inside seen from the outside. Definitely, his representations are not reproductions of people’s features. That’s what makes them exciting.
Having gone from el tingo al tango (from here to there), the vibrant artistic and social life that permeates San Miguel Allende attracted him and Janet, his wife. The range of activities and events, the easiness to meet people, and the joy of life, trapped him. He also appreciates the proactive attitude of the ex-pats–their interest in the visual, cultural, and culinary arts. At the same time, there is the unparalleled support network to help the less fortunate. «My parents were people committed to helping those in need. They taught me to appreciate and respect everybody.» Alejandro reminisces, “This is fundamental to having a healthy and balanced society. We’re all so fortunate to be part of this unique community.”
«One of the most memorable moments I’ve had in San Miguel was when Guadalupe Trejo, promoter of popular culture, invited me to participate in the Otomí ceremony to thank the seeds and the harvest. My contribution was to introduce foreigners to this nation that, even with the adversity of colonization, has kept alive its ancient roots and customs. The ceremony was moving and opened the eyes of those lucky to watch this rarely-seen facet of Mexico,» recaps Alejandro still moved.
He is grateful to Maestro Edgardo Kerlegand who saw potential in Alejandro’s artwork and invited him to participate in the yearly group exhibition in his gallery at La Aurora. Shortly after, he bet on him to teach a composition workshop at Instituto Allende. It was a great success. Kerlegand followed the classic academic approach, while Alejandro introduced cinema and sometimes cartoons. The students discovered how liberating it is to express themselves through art when leaving aside the concern of producing masterpieces. A student said, “I went back to my childhood and the confidence to draw without fear or prejudice.” Another commented this had been her favorite class, as she could freely express her ideas without dread of criticism.
When the pandemic hit, almost immediately, all activities had to be suspended. It was regrettable having to close workshops and cancel classes. However, not everything was negative. “One of my super cool students invited me to illustrate his book. Technology allowed the collaboration. He was in Calgary, Canada, and I in San Miguel“, recounts Alejandro. Online sales helped him survive the long stretch of lockdown. In addition, Rafael Franco, owner of Los Arcos Cultural Center, supported him by commissioning ten paintings about Don Quixote. He gave him total freedom of expression. Alejandro used acrylics on canvas; integrating cubist and expressionist styles. You can still see the collection at Los Arcos, on Stirling Dickinson 28. With a gleam in his eyes, he declared, «I am very thankful to the San Miguel community for the opportunities given to me.»
The Kerlegand Gallery, where much of Alejandro’s work is, has reopened, and he’s back to exhibiting his paintings and drawings. In March and April, he’ll be teaching again. He has also returned to strolling the streets of San Miguel, tasting coffee and creating captivating drawings; hoping unexpected collaborations will materialize, so his circle will continue to expand.
“I think the future will bring good things. We just have to take care of our community. All who live here, regardless of origin, are responsible for maintaining the magic of San Miguel. One must not lose sight of what attracts the visitors: the Mexican experience, the colonial houses, the street vendors, and the artisans–all sharing this space. This region is becoming the ‘Mexican dream’, both for nationals and foreigners. We have to continue strengthening the traditions, the arts, and the nature that surrounds us”, Alejandro asserts.
You can find Alejandro Anaya at the Kerlegand Gallery, at the La Fabrica La Aurora, on Thursdays, from 11am to 5pm On Instagram @alejandroanayaart, and on Facebook alejandroanayavisualartist.
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