Magical Realism as a vehicle for communicating the immigration experience. Ivan represents this chaotic marriage through reactionary mark-making, bold color, and old-world visual motifs. Specifically, the use of folklore and mythology within Ivan’s work as metaphors to showcase this act of stepping into the unknown in order to achieve growth. He navigates this “in-between” by combining design language from traditional Mexican culture with compositions that feel distinctly contemporary and American.
Professional Experience
Ivan earned his BFA from the College for Creative Studies in 2017 and received the Imre J.
Molnar Artistic Achievement Award, appointing him as merit-based valedictorian. Following graduation, he attended the Illustration Academy in Kansas City, MO. Since then, Ivan has worked as a freelance illustrator, artist and muralist, partnering with clients including The Platform and 1x Run, as a part of the Murals in the Market Festival.
Significant publications/presentations/exhibitions
Ivan has been featured by Spectrum, 3×3 Mag, and The Society of Illustrators, and has work in the Guillermo Del Toro Bleak House Collection.