pollo 7

I’m not an art critic. That’s not what this is about. I know Pollo 7 better as a philosopher friend than I know him as a painter and yet describing him here without his art would not make any sense.

Pollo 7 grew up on a farm. Animals, plants, food chains, work, and emotions. He began reflecting everyday life in his images from an early age; young Pollo 7 would sketch that day whatever caught the eye. Spray painting got introduced to Pollo 7 by his brother and his friends at a relatively young age. And later he became interested in fashion and clothing design. During his early adult years Pollo explored a myriad of disciplines from digital design to big wall painting while also holding down an array of mostly manual labor jobs. As way leads to way, one thing led to another and ultimately Pollo 7 stopped working as a property caretaker to paint full time. For Pollo 7 success is being able work on his art and pay rent – everything on top is extra.

What hits me first about some of Pollo 7’s work is how beautifully he depicts objects that are often viewed as repulsive or mundane: slugs, toilet paper rolls, plastic bottles, and dog mouths, all glowing with mystery. I arrive to the Coop in Allschwil at seven am this morning as the rain is coming down. Pollo 7 has been plein air painting a section of storefront for about half an hour before I get there. We talk while he paints, shoot as the doors begin to open, and then have coffee in the supermarket restaurant upstairs.

[41] June 22, 2021