Tropical Tiburón

12 x 21.3 inches

Custom cut acrylic including 3 velcro strips for easy wall mounting

"The power and beauty that sharks possess have captured and fascinated my imagination since childhood. I overcame my fears by observing them in the wild. Understanding their key role as apex predators taught me to appreciate their importance in this world. The ocean cannot survive without them, and we as a species simply cannot survive without the ocean. We need them; they don’t need us.

These are the thoughts that came to mind while I was creating “Tropical Tiburón.” It is an ode to my favorite animal that touches on the importance of shark conservation and marine biodiversity loss. The fact that sharks never stop swimming inspires me to always keep moving forward."

- Alex Yanes

When you first meet Alex Yanes, you are struck by how laid-back and approachable he is. Born in Miami, he is the product of both the ever-evolving, fast-paced city and the burgeoning art scene. Yet, he is as real and approachable as they come. In a city filled with wild characters and over-saturated personalities, Yanes is refreshingly humble, preferring instead to let his vibrant and colorful artwork take center stage.

And it does.

Since he decided to pursue art full-time in 2006, his work has become his autobiography, speaking volumes about who he is and what he has seen. A son of the city, his story is influenced by his Cuban roots and an ever-growing curiosity about all the things Miami had to offer him during the ’80s and ’90s. Yanes’ work is the result of years spent immersed in skateboard, tattoo, hip-hop, and rock culture during his teenage years, but he says he felt the stirrings of creativity at a young age. He won his first art contest at age six and claims that one of his greatest accomplishments was building his own treehouse at the age of 10, a feat he accomplished with the knowledge and tools imparted to him by his father and grandfather.

Now a father himself, Yanes spends his time making art and raising his family in the city that raised him. Where he once worked on canvas, his art has taken on a life of its own, coming alive via wood, acrylic, resin, and enamel into three-dimensional installations. Each is a unique view into Yanes’ history and love of all things art and have caught the eye of art aficionados and corporate collectors alike. He has worked with Adidas, Red Bull, Sony, The Learning Channel, Vans, Kidrobot, UsTwo Games, Delta Airlines, Coca Cola, and Rag & Bone. His work has been acquired and collected by institutions such as The Long Beach Museum of Art, Fidelity Investments, and Capital One.

And because he supports the city that cultivated him as an artist, he has made it a priority to work with local foundations to help children and ultimately bolster their love of art. He has worked with St. Jude’s Hospital, The Dan Marino Foundation, Miami Children’s Museum, NBA Cares, The Miami Children’s Hospital, and The Children’s Trust.

Whimsical and yet relatable, Yanes’ art embodies innovative color use and imaginative subject matter and speaks to collectors and new art lovers alike. His work has been a staple in Wynwood’s art district since its inception and has also been exhibited by galleries in Los Angeles, New York, Chicago, San Francisco, Detroit, Philadelphia, London, Paris, Berlin, Australia, and Japan.