Juan Carlos Pinto
Born in Guatemala and a member of the Maya Chorti tribe, Juan Carlos Pinto, or Carlos as most people call him, is multifaceted artist who creates a style that is both eclectic and dynamic, incorporating a mix of figurative and abstract techniques that glisten with rich colorful 
juxtapositions. What's more remarkable is Pinto's ability to transform inoperable and fragmented objects into aesthetic identities.
His artwork was recently displayed at an Inwood gallery this past Friday and showcased a variety of pieces that reflect Pinto's ability to resurrect raw materials. A collage portrait of Che Guevara was refashioned with diced Metrocards in combination with a modest use of black paint. Surrounding it were photographs of Pinto with a blowtorch-like device that showed him producing the piece.
Another of Pinto's works was an open guitar case that displayed a man and a woman painted on each of its sides. Both figurative paintings included a vibrant palette of colors that gave the aged case a revitalized sense of humanity.
The gallery spoke with voices of revolution, displaying renditions of Martin Luther King Jr. and Che Guevara. Pinto's South American heritage sparkled throughout the paintings and etchings with portrayals of working farmers and rural backdrops.
He has recently encouraged people from several communities in Brooklyn to donate their creative energies to produce works of art throughout the neighborhood. Pinto hopes this project will begin as a seed that will ultimately blossom into a trend throughout other parts of the city.
The first project has already begun at Rivendell School, located in Parkville, Brooklyn and involves the artistic contribution of students. Brooklyn’s Perfect Renovation and people from the community have generously donated their raw materials like ceramic, tile, and wood to Pinto who plans on using them for the project. He also plans on using music as a guiding theme for the project.
Pinto has already begun plans on another endeavor that focuses on aesthetically renovating libraries. He feels that these institutions of knowledge have become underappreciated over time and require artistic representation. Pinto plans on using books as a theme for this project, hoping to embolden the community's creative energies to revitalize the neighborhood.
- Evan Alvarez
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