To Alexander Vélez Burgos, art means taking initiative. The conceptual artist, aspiring author and activist works to provoke change by challenging art for art’s sake.

Burgos, a student of the world, has studied on three continents. He transferred from the University of Puerto Rico after his freshman year to major in international relations and philosophy at Syracuse University. Burgos spent his entire junior year abroad in Strasbourg, France, and now frequently travels around New York as a senior.

Burgos said he quenches his curiosity about the human experience by reflecting on his travels and writing. Burgos has built a portfolio of poetry he plans to release in the near future under the alias “Juan Van Rosa.”

“I’m infatuated with ideas — what ought to be, what should be, this idea of utopia,” Burgos said, explaining the root of his inspiration.

The poetry is a flow of thoughts, covering three years’ worth of examining cultures and will read like a diary, Burgos said. He first began experimenting with poetry after his musical friends looked to his poems for song lyrics.

The idea of becoming a conceptual artist emerged from a deep understanding and appreciation for art without necessarily having the talent to physically produce it, Burgos said.

Vision drives his desire to collaborate with artists to materialize the best drawing, mural or performance piece possible, Burgos said. However, his passion for documentation and photography outshines the rest.

“I’m not a photographer … yet,” Burgos said. “I’m still learning. I’m in the process of exploring.”

While researching for an nongovernmental organization internship in Bolivia, Burgos diverted his attention to environmental activism with Sustainable Bolivia, a nonprofit organization working to create a better environment within the city of Cochabamba.

In Cochabamba, which has the most polluted air in Latin America, Burgos realized the demand for awareness and took charge of the campaign’s creative department. His murals and sign-holding performances on the streets warned citizens of the consequences of river pollution.

Burgos continues his work as an environmentalist at SU with the Canary Project, a campaign run by two SU professors which analyzes primitive rituals in agriculture and social development versus modern routines to promote a sustainable ecosystem.

The fear of having a what-if moment pushes Burgos to remain motivated and delve into his passions with no reserve, Burgos said.

“All my life, I’ve been avoiding becoming an artist because of the fear that society will make you a starving artist,” Burgos said. “The greatest good in life is being happy. Allow yourself to do what you desire.”

Published on February 29, 2016 at 12:01 am

Contact: ghhughes@syr.edu