Behold! The work of Orlando Arocena. A digital artist and Bronx native, Arocena has a hunger for life that is barely contained in his work. His craft was born from his wide eyed artistry and Gotham gumption. A city kid through and through, Arocena has an artistic approach that is rather universal. He describes himself as a sponge, soaking up the sights and sounds of his life’s journey and portraying them in his work.
Arocena’s method is vibrant but thoughtful. Having much success in the commercial sector (his clients include Bailey’s, Mountain Dew, Crown Royal, Godiva, and many more), the personal side of Arocena’s work still strives in such a way that is it hard to distinguish the difference between the personal and the commercial. While his commercial work is slightly tamed and is obviously influenced conceptually by his clients, Arocena still maintains a high level of creativity. If there is any real significant disparity between his personal and commercial work, then it would be that Arocena personal work has its own purpose, its own mission: to validate digital painting and design as a genuine modern art form.
Arocena has tackled that mission skillfully in his first solo show, Traversing the Vector, which was recently on display at The Lodge Gallery during late August and early September. Traversing the Vector showcased not only put on display the final product of his efforts, but also allowed show-goers to see the process in which he created the art. Think of it as glorious flesh placed side by side with its bare bones. In Traversing the Vector, Arocena paints a picture of vulnerable expertise. We met up with our friends at Deadfall Productions and sat down with Orlando Arocena to chat about his New York upbringing, inspirations, and artistic ideals.
Quiet Lunch is a grassroot online publication that seeks to promote various aspects of life and culture with a loving, but brute, educational tinge. When we say, “Creative Sustenance Daily,” we mean it.