Nelson Alvarez, born in Havana, Cuba, graduated from the Institute Technical Superior of Havana (CUJAE) School of Architecture in 1979. As a result of his work as an architect and professor at the same institute, Alvarez had the opportunity to study at the University of Venice, School of Architecture (IUAV) in 1992 where he received a Master's Degree in Urban and Regional Planning. He then continued living and studying in Italy for more than a decade.
Early on, Alvarez developed his passion for both Photography and Graphic Design as well as refining his freehand drawing skills This proved beneficial and profitable when he moved to Venice as he was able to combine these areas of expertise working on various projects with architects and simultaneously as a photographer supporting himself and his family. In 2004 he moved to Miami, Florida, where his family had settled in the meantime. Since 1980. Alvarez has been working as an architect. professor and photographer, as well as an Italian and Spanish language tutor.
Almost 30 years later, Alvarez continues to apply the motif principle of "Less is More" to all of his photographs defined by a few elements, accurate composition, the use of minimal colors, and light as a protagonist of the message. He is passionate about photographers such as Jeanloup Sieff, Mario Giacomelli, Gabriele Basilico, Richard Avedon, the Old Painting Masters such as Caravaggio, Tiziano, Tintoretto, Vermeer, De Chirico, as well as the musical genius of Ennio Morricone.
Alvarez's main areas of interest are Urban Environment and Architecture, Dance, Theater, Portraits, Artistic Nudes, and the study of the Human Body. His images demonstrate how even in the presence of dim light or using dramatic shadows, a photograph's underlying message is conveyed.
One of the Artist's Upcoming projects, inspired by Hugo Pratt's comic book character Corto Maltese, is the preparation of a book reflecting the "genius loci" concept through a fascinating voyage discovering the soul of charming cities with the simultaneous use of drawings and photography.
Related Work Experience
Freelance Photographer, Architecture/Interiors, Commercial, Dance and Theater Plays, Commercial, Portrait and Artistic Nudes, 1986-present,
Studio Scaglia, Fashion, Commercial and Portrait, Vittorio Veneto, Italy, 2008-2010
Clients
Opening Plaza de Carlos, Saronno, 2003
Dorigo Design, Interior Design office, Conegliano
Veneto Progetti, Società Cooperativa, San Vendemiano
School of Architecture, Habana and Milan
Michilli Construction and Counseling, Miami
Zamparelli Architectural Group, Miami
BECA Progetti, Interior Design, Miami
Precetti SrL, Global Marine and Refit
Società Dante Alighieri, Miami
Italian Consulate, Miami
Japan Consulate, Miami
Related teaching experience
Miami Dade College, WOLFSON Campus, Photography from Beginners to Advanced, Still Life, Portrait, Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Lightroom, Miami, USA, 2009-2011
Arconate County Hall, Lecturer “Photography from Beginners to Advance”, Italy, 2002-2004
Toluca School of Architecture, Lecturer “The Architecture of Venice”, Mexico, 1998
University IUAV of Venice, Lecturer “City of Havana: Master Plans and Development”, Venice, Italy, 1994
Società Dante Alighieri, Lecturer “Le piazze d’Italia”, “Venezia, la sua architettura”, Miami, 2009
Istituto Comprensivo Esquilino, Lecturer at the opening photography course, Roma, 1999
Commissions
Registry of Historic Theaters, Havana City, Cuba
Registry of Facades, Scuola Grande di San Rocco, Venezia, Italia
Registry of Porticos, Libreria Marciana, San Marco Square, Venezia, Italia
Registry of Historic Buildings, Venezia, Italia
Registry of Historical Landmark, Master Plan, Valdobbiadene, Treviso, Italia
Related Personal Research
Genius Loci of cities and Architecture
Light, Color and Form in Architecture
Registry of Historical Landmark, Jesus del Monte Ave, Havana City, Cuba
Registry of Historical Landmark, Venice, Italy
Porticato della Libreria Marciana, Piazza San Marco Venezia
Registry of the Color in Architecture, Miami
Registry of Historic squares, Havana City, Cuba
Registry of Historic Theaters, Havana City, Cuba
Dance and body expressions
Classic sculptures and paintings interpretations
Solo and Group Shows
Opening Plaza de Carlos, Saronno, 2003
Dorigo Design, Interior Design office, Conegliano
Veneto Progetti, Architecture and Urbanism office, San Vendemiano
School of Architecture, Habana and Milan
Michilli Construction and Counseling, Miami
Zamparelli, Architecture Studio, Miami
BECA Progetti, Interior of hotels and family residences, Miami
Precetti SrL, Commercial and Interiors
Società Dante Alighieri, Miami
Italian Consulate, Miami
Japan Consulate, Miami
Architecture & Interior Real Estate, Miami
Professional Membership
TAU Visual, Italian Association of Professional Photographers, Italy, 1998-2004
Editorial / Publishing
Registry of Historical Show Rooms, Havana City, Cuba (Case da Abitare, Milan, Italy, 06/2003)
Fire Protection Room Elements, Casa Facile, Milan, Italy, 06/2003