Biography
Alvar Mena is a Spanish artist born in Palencia in 1988. His artistic journey began in music, followed by studies in Fine Arts at the University of Salamanca. Mena then spent over a decade as a tattoo artist, developing a unique style marked by criticism and sarcasm, deeply rooted in the Spanish tradition of graphic humor.
In 2021, Mena returned to studio painting and sculpture. His work, influenced by 80s pop culture and manga, immerses viewers in a world of zodiacal warriors with a distinct street-wise edge. Mena’s art exudes a raw energy that leaves viewers feeling empowered and inspired. Despite the apparent grittiness, his subjects reveal grace and humility in his interpretation of humanity. This “grittiness” is a deliberate construct, a narrative that is constantly evolving, mirroring the human experience.
Mena’s artistic process often begins with an iconic reference, drawing from classical mythology, Judeo-Christianity, and contemporary pop culture. While the narrative is important at the beginning and end, he focuses on abstract elements during the core of the process.
Represented in Spain, UK, Australia and Taiwan, Mena has also exhibited in Denmark. In addition to his Fine Arts qualifications, he holds master’s degrees in digital animation and philosophy. His tattoo artistry has taken him around the world, but he is now focusing on his studio work.
EDUCATION
Degree in Fine Arts, University of Salamanca, Salamanca, 2011
Master’s degree in Digital Animation, University of Salamanca, Salamanca, 2012
Master’s degree in Philosophy, University of Salamanca, 2014
EDUCATION
Degree in Fine Arts, University of Salamanca, Salamanca, 2011
Master’s degree in Digital Animation, University of Salamanca, Salamanca, 2012
Master’s degree in Philosophy, University of Salamanca, 2014
SHOWS
2024 Group show “Statement”, Canal Gallery, Madrid and Barcelona, Spain.
2024 Solo show “Between Smoke and Dust”, Fun Year Art Gallery, Taichung, Taiwan.
2024 Solo show “Close to The XD”, Canal Gallery, Barcelona, Spain.
2024 Group show at Art Taichung Contemporary Art Fair, Fun Year Art Gallery booth, Taichung, Taiwan.
2024 Group show at Hybrid Contemporary Art Fair, Canal Gallery booth, Madrid, Spain.
2023 Group Show “WHITE”, HAGD Gallery, Aalborg, Denmark.
2023 Group opening show, HAGD Gallery. Aalborg, Denmark.
2023 Solo show “Nostalgia is Capitalism”, HAGD Gallery. Aalborg, Denmark
2022 Group show at Estampa Contemporary Art Fair. Exhibit Gallery booth, Madrid, Spain
2022 Solo show “Vamos Playa” , Exhibit Gallery. Santander, Spain.
2022 Group show at FIG Bilbao art fair, Exhibit Gallery booth, Bilbao, Spain.
2011 Group show XIII exhibition “Salamanca Monumental” open-air painting exhibition (second prize award), organized by Fundación Gaceta, Garci Grande Palace Hall. Salamanca, Spain.
2011 Group show at Pedrajas de San Esteban Culture Hall. Pedrajas de San Esteban, Valladolid, Spain.
2010 Group show “XIV Premios San Marcos”, organized by the University of Salamanca, at La Salina Palace. Salamanca, Spain.
2010 Group show Reunart 2010, organized by the Faculty of History of the University of Valladolid, at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts of Valladolid. Spain.
2009 Group show at the travelling art exhibition “Art-Joven”, Palencia Provincial Council. Palencia, Spain.
2009 Group show at “Artesgueva 2009” artfair. Valladolid, Spain.
2009 Solo show at “El Cafetín”. Palencia, Spain.
2009 Solo show “Detalles de Velázquez” at the exhibition hall Caja Laboral. Palencia, Spain. 2008 Group show in the “La Alhóndiga” venue, at Zamora Provincial Council.Zamora, Spain. 2008 Group show at “Campoesgueva 2008” Artfair, Valladolid, Spain.
2008 Solo show in the exhibition hall of the Baltanás Town Council. Palencia, Spain.
2008 Group show at “Expo-Aire”. Palencia, Spain.
2008 Group show at the travelling art exhibition “Art-Joven”, Palencia Provincial Council and Caja. Palencia, Spain.
2007 Group show at “Artesgueva 2007” artfair. Valladolid, Spain.
WORK
Since 2011 – Resident and owner at La Barberia Tattoo Gallery, Salamanca, Spain. Regular guest tattooing in the US, Hong Kong, Taiwan, South Corea, Japan, China, Germany, France, Belgium, Switzerland, Portugal, Netherlands, Denmark, Poland, UK and Spain.
