Alvin Gill-Tapia

Born in Santa Fe, descendent from generations of New Mexican ranchers, Gill-Tapia's many life experiences have culminated in his current paintings: The Architectural Series. A precocious talent in drawing, photography, weaving, and ceramics opened the door for him, to a four-year long association with his mentor, Belgian weaver and painter, Maud Henon (UNESCO RECIPIENT for her Tapestry Work). Myriad studio hours, artistic guidance, and numerous trips to the studios and museums of Brussels, Bruges, Amsterdam and Paris while under her tutelage, further developed his skills, and firmly planted him on this lifetime path. Ten years in New York City followed. Classes in painting, drawing and anatomy from the masters at The Art Students League of New York, The New York Academy, and the National Academy of Art. Gill-Tapia served as monitor, as well as teaching classes to both youths, and adults during this period. He later maintained a studio in the city, taught privately and showed at many art galleries and public art venues in NYC. Today, Gill-Tapia has returned to his native Sangre de Cristo Mountains, and lives and paints in his beloved Santa Fe. The Southwest provides the inspiration, subjects and light that are his work. His century old familiar roots, tracing back to Madrid, bind him to those architectural traditions of the great masterpieces of Hispanic art: The buildings in New Mexico, Arizona and California are his constant inspiration. He has photographed and sketched them devotedly, eventually evolving his present semi-abstract, yet three-dimensional style. For emphasis and contrast, he places these often fragmentary, often complete images against stark monochromatic skies.

Internationally collected by clients, he is proud to be included in Museum Collections in New York and New Mexico. His roster of exhibitions includes one man Shows, with participation in various group shows around the USA.

His June 3, 2022 show at Manitou Galleries in Santa Fe, New Mexico includes large and small pieces with a unique perspective from both above and below the Adobe structures that he favors in this body of work. He continues with an emphasis of the various leaf metals of gold, copper and silver, giving his work the visual effect of shine and movement. Viewers concentrate with intrigue and are attracted to the visual dynamics.