CBCA commissioned Armando Silva to create this original painting inspired by the MIXTAPE theme of "rewind, play, fast forward."

4ft X 5ft oil and spray paint on canvas

Armando Silva artistic statement:

"This painting in its most simple form is an exploration of textures, spaces, patterns, experiences and movements that are not often revealed in a mirror's reflection of who I am, but who I feel I have been and will become.

The painting hosts a playground full of moments with scrapes and bumps that become a metaphor for my life. This self portrait is a platform for a brief moment to rewind, play and fast forward my existence and my opportunity to create. Take this journey with me as I start exactly where I am and not a blank canvas but a raw unfinished study that continues to brush, dance, drip and question my awareness. My awareness of my true self. I share this painting as an ofrenda to question your own beliefs, insecurities, memories and triumphs of yourself as you are."

Armando Silva bio:

Armando is a painter, muralist, and performer who uses his artistic superpowers to tell powerful stories, build community, and inspire youth through art. As a recipient of a Governor's Creative Leadership award from Colorado Creative Industries in 2018 and CBCA's EY Next Wave Leadership Award in 2019, Armando has been celebrated for his collaborations with cities, non-profits, businesses, and educators across the state and beyond.

Armando was born in Sombrerete, Zacatecas, Mexico. At age 5, his family moved to Northern Colorado to pursue the American Dream, and Armando submerged himself into visual and performing arts as a way to communicate and find his identity as an ESL student. After developing his talents throughout high school, he decided to invest in them and received a BA in Fine Arts from The University of Northern Colorado.

Armando believes his artistic abilities come with the responsibility to lead, educate, and give back to the community. His artistic practice focuses on compelling portraits that tell personal stories, sometimes created on canvases in his studio, or other times created through live performance in front of thousands. Armando's large-scale mural installations give communities a way to communicate messages that can't always be said in words.

Armando currently lives in Greeley, Colorado and is deeply embedded in creative leadership throughout the community. He co-directs the Colorado Dance Collective, a non-profit adult dance company. His art studio space contributes to the revitalization of Downtown Greeley, and he serves on the Greeley Creative District board. Armando is on the Think360 artist roster, an agency that places working artists in schools for workshops, residencies, and performances.

Item pickup/ delivery:

Following the auction after November 19, the winning bidder may pickup the item(s) from the CBCA office. Delivery may be available in the Denver metro area upon request. If items need to be shipped, the winning bidder must cover the associated costs.