Jesus “Cimi” Alvarado began his artistic career as a graffiti artist in El Paso Texas. His footprint can be found throughout the city’s historic Segundo Barrio and beyond.
In the same vein as Chicano muralists who came before him — like his former teacher at Bowie High School, Gaspar Enriquez — his art is truly public, honoring the everyday Chicanx population that strengthens border culture in El Paso. The power of both contemporary and historic Chicanx figures is the driving force behind much of Cimi’s work.
In addition to honoring his barrio’s history, he’s committed to growing new artists which is one of his reasons for opening Kalavera Culture Shop, a place in El Paso where emerging artists can buy art supplies at affordable prices and find an artistic community that truly upholds one another.
Originally Broadcast on August 10, 2024