Alex Arcadia,

Artist

Mentee:

Alicia, 17, Mexico

Painter, sculptor and conceptualist Alex Arcadia re-imagines the very essence of power and image through invention. Operating under the monogram BRIGHTSHINYFUTURE, Alex has devised a system of interplaying signs and relics to create a cosmology that encompasses the ideals, as well as the objectives of his distinct entity. When asked what the BRIGHTSHINYFUTURE means, Alex is characteristically evasive: “It inspires unique descriptions of what it is”; however as founder of the conglomerate, Alex is more prolific and decisive than his brief slogan may indicate.

The BRIGHTSHINYFUTURE, or BSF, has been responsible for public situations and interventions that include a Fine Art Auction turned ping-pong frenzy (complete with auction house paddles bearing the BSF emblem), an empty press conference venue collaged with original BSF religious iconography called the Temple of Fame, an original composition that functions as both church hymn and corporate advertising jingle, and of course, Alex’s immense catalog of paintings, sculptures and collectable idolatry. Evidenced by his output, Alex’s BRIGHTSHINYFUTURE floats in the increasingly murky waters between the signs of corporate structure, eroticized consumerism, and organized religion.

As master catalyst and conceptual maverick, Alex Arcadia contributes his unique talents to the Three Dot Dash organization this year. His signature design for a ‘relic’, or pin, given to each Global Teen Leader effectively maximizes Alex’s expertise in the art of provocative dissemination.

Alex lives and works in Manhattan.