Alé Mercado is a talented advocate of a powerful and edgy style of illustration which is emerging from the alternative and underground art scene.
Alé’s work is very graphic and has a strong, dark and witty style that fits into the rock/marginal/lifestyle genres.
His illustrations have often been described as totally energetic, yet well organised – reflective of his 20-year career as a graphic designer and illustrator.
Despite his large experience, Alé has not lost his creative spark: his imagination continues to flourish, and his work is consistently radical and fresh, which he believes is an important part of his offering.
Alé’s designs and illustrations are created digitally while retaining the expression of traditional media, namely pen and ink, screen printing and woodcutting. A knowledge of digital tools and wide visual culture allows for a surprisingly extensive range of solutions that have a distinct and unique style.
Music is another noticeable theme in his work. Industrial punk, heavy metal, dark ambient or simply pop influences can be found in his images.
One of his great joys is illustrating comics and the narrative of this medium is very much at the core of his work.
Alé’s true passion, however, is creating and designing posters. It is the constraints as well as the dramatic impact of the medium that fit better with his style. Some of his creations in this field have given him the most recognition to date – like the poster for a Linton Kwesi Johnson gig in 2005 which was awarded Best Design Illustration from the Illustrators Guild of Ireland.
Alé’s work has been used extensively by NGOs, local authorities, environmental agencies, theatre companies, arts festivals and concerts.
- INTERESTING EXHIBITIONS
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- June 2008-October 2008
- Co-curated and co-directed Illustrating Illustration with Mary Butler. Exhibition that took place in Kilkenny and Tomares, Seville. More info
- July 2008
- Exhibition in Ormeau Baths, Belfast. More info
- June 2008
- Exhibition in Munster Truck Gallery, Dublin. More info
- February 2005
- Exhibition in Kilkenny Art Gallery, Kilkenny.
- November 2003
- Exhibition in Guinness Storehouse, Dublin.
- November – December 2002
- Exhibition in Chester Beatty Library, Dublin.
- SOME PUBLICATIONS
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- November 2010
- The Stinging Fly #7
- November 2009
- Rhyme Rag #5. Arts Office Kilkenny County Council
- August 2009
- Machines, Miracles or Magic?
- November 2008
- Rhyme Rag #4. Arts Office Kilkenny County Council
- November 2007
- Rhyme Rag #3. Arts Office Kilkenny County Council
- November 2006
- Rhyme Rag #2. Arts Office Kilkenny County Council
- November 2005
- Rhyme Rag #1. Arts Office Kilkenny County Council
- 2003
- Pueblo Lobo #1. Self Published
- ASSOCIATIONS
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- Member of Illustrators Guild of Ireland since 2001
- Member of Association of Illustrators, UK
- AWARDS
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- December 2005
- Best Design Illustration 2005 Illustrators Guild of Ireland (LKJ Poster for Arts Office Kilkenny County Council)
- March 1996
- 1st Prize in 3rd National Award C.M. Isabel de España for Comics.
