LUIS REYES
BELOIT, WI
If Luis looks familiar to you, it’s probably because you’ve seen him mixing drinks behind a bar in downtown Beloit. If you’ve been to DEVIATE before, you may recognize him and his artwork. If you haven’t seen Luis’ artwork before, we feel bad for you! Luis grew up drawing and playing around with art. He uses music, characters and even cartoons in his work while also incorporating thrifted items and strange materials.
Luis’ work is truly unique and embodies everything DEVIATE stands for- doing something different! Luis is back for a third time, and we can’t wait to see what he has in store.
Tell us about you. I've been drawing since the day my mom gave me a pencil. I grew up in the suburbs of Chicago in the early 90’s. Being Hispanic, the public school system had little diversity. So, I found art to be my refuge and my voice among my peers. Cartoon, movies, and music being my comfort and major influences in my work. After high school I took courses in photography and print making at Elgin Community College. Which opened the door to a world of all kinds of paper, inks and processes.
What inspires your art? Knowing DEVIATE is an experiential, interactive art event, how do you envision participating? Other artists and life experiences inspire my art. Each year that I have participated I have adapted objects in my studio. Just as my work evolves.