Carlos Rivera: A Journey in Photography and Art.
Originally from Mexico City and now based in Chicago, Carlos Rivera has been navigating the world through his camera lens for over 14 years. His background in Architecture and Marketing initially guided his focus toward commercial photography, capturing over 1,300 locations across six countries. However, Carlos’s artistic journey has evolved, steering him toward the deeper, more personal realms of photography.
Today, Carlos immerses himself in the art of street photography, seeking to capture the spontaneous and unscripted moments that define everyday life. His approach is a quest to preserve the essence of genuine artistry in an era increasingly dominated by digital automation. Committed to the belief that art should be an authentic, tactile experience, Carlos advocates for the physical presence of photography, encouraging the appreciation of prints that can be touched, felt, and experienced beyond digital screens.
In 2022, Carlos embraced the art community more formally by participating in the “Camino a Babel” exhibition in Mexico City, where he shared space with ten painters. This experience marked a pivotal moment in his commitment to exploring art in its myriad forms. His journey continued in 2023 with a solo exhibition at the Gallery Cafe in Chicago and participation in local artisan markets, where he connected with the vibrant cultural fabric of the city.
Carlos often chooses the stark beauty of black and white photography to strip back the distractions of color, allowing the subtle interplay of light and shadow to speak louder. This choice is part of his exploration into how visuals can tell stories and evoke emotions purely through form and contrast. His photographic style is deeply influenced by the works of renowned photographers such as Fan Ho, Henri Cartier Bresson, Elliott Erwitt, Alan Schaller, and Philip Penman, whose mastery in capturing the fleeting moments of life and distinctive compositional elegance resonate deeply with Carlos, inspiring him to blend classic and contemporary techniques in his own work.
Beyond his photography, Carlos draws inspiration from music and the arts, seeing them as complementary forces that enhance his creative expression. Whether it’s integrating ambient sounds to add a new dimension to his photography or drawing parallels between the rhythmic dynamics of music and the visual rhythm in his images, his artistic practice is about exploration and experimentation.
As he moves forward, Carlos remains dedicated to capturing images that offer windows into moments and emotions, sharing his evolving perspective with others who appreciate the enduring impact of heartfelt, handcrafted art.