Interview with Norberto Perez

For Hispanic Heritage Month, we shine a light on talented young painter Norberto Perez who has been studying at the League for over 7 years — since he was in high school. Perez is a longtime student of Max Ginsburg. At his young age, Perez has already built an impressive portfolio of paintings that span a wide range of subjects, from tender fantasy to stark social realism. His thoughtful observations in oil or graphite are built on a solid foundation of anatomical knowledge and painterly skill.

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1. What is your heritage and how does it influence your art?

I am of Mexican heritage. Although my work isn’t heavily influenced by my heritage, it has begun to show up in parts of what I want to speak about in my work. In my painting Dulces y Chocolates, I highlight a scene of an immigrant mother and her child. The word “immigrant” is often negatively associated with the Hispanic community. I can only truly talk about my influences as a Mexican American as those are stories told through my experience.

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2. How has the league helped you grow as an artist ?

Studying at the League has helped me grow as an artist in many aspects. One of them is being able to take classes with some of the best painters of this time. The instructors here have guided my craft to where it is today. I picked up my first paintbrush here at the League about 7 years ago and I haven't stopped since. The community here at the League has also helped me grow in my journey. Being surrounded by other hard working artists gives me a sense of belonging. I am able to speak to others on goals, ideas, and struggles faced as an artist. The League feels like home and I'm happy to be part of such a rich lineage of artists.

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3. What are you working on right now?

Currently, I'm working on another painting revolving around the migrant workers we see everyday on the subways. Being a child of immigrant parents I feel a mix of emotions seeing vendors like these being criticized and, at times, humiliated. I find it's important to record current events. Aside from this, I'm working on a couple of illustrations I have planned that I will release soon.

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Learn more about Norberto via his website norbertoperezstudio.com and Instagram.

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