Pavel Acevedo

Biography (325 words)

Pavel Acevedo, originally from Oaxaca, Mexico, is a contemporary relief printmaker whose work explores themes of migration, identity, and cultural hybridity. Moving to California in 2010, Acevedo has built a practice rooted in both his Oaxacan heritage and his lived experiences as an immigrant in the United States. His art reflects a dialogue that is neither strictly Mexican nor American, but instead a layered, contemporary reality shaped by crossing borders and adapting to new environments.

Working primarily in relief printmaking, Acevedo employs plywood and linoleum blocks to create powerful portraits and images that draw upon the pre-Hispanic codex as well as contemporary urban life. His subjects often include friends, community members, and symbolic figures that embody the diverse populations of California. By weaving together references to ancient visual traditions and modern narratives, he constructs imagery that speaks to continuity, resilience, and transformation within migrant experiences.

Acevedo’s educational foundation was formed at the School of Fine Arts Oaxaca (Escuela de Bellas Artes), complemented by workshops at the Rufino Tamayo Workshop, where he deepened his knowledge of printmaking techniques. After relocating to California, he established himself within the artistic communities of Riverside and East Los Angeles. His studio, Urge Palette Art Supplies in Riverside, serves as both a workplace and a hub for creative engagement. His prints and murals can be found throughout the region, including significant displays at the Riverside Art Museum and in public spaces across the city.

Among his notable projects are his contributions to the Utopia/Dystopia portfolio, curated by artist Miyo Stevens-Gandara. For this series, Acevedo created prints that juxtapose portraits of a solitary woman and two men, symbolizing the multiplicity of narratives that shape the Los Angeles experience. Through such works, Acevedo affirms his role as both an artist and storyteller, chronicling the intersections of culture, migration, and community in contemporary life.