Alejandro Aguilar Canela finds profound value in what may be seen as some of our bleakest emotions. Delving into subject matters such as depression, anger, abandonment, fear, individuality, sexuality, and more, Canela strives to understand the multitudes within each, and how their shadowy paths have the ability lead us somewhere brighter.

From the artist’s “Grey Drawings” series
"How to Stand Against Adversity" (2022). Blue lead mechanical pencil on vellum, 39.3 x 31.5 inches. Images courtesy of the artist, shared with permission
“If I Could Protect You” (2024), mechanical pencil on paper, 14.3 x 14.4 inches
“A Rodent in the House 01” (2025), 22.5 x 30.25 inches
“How to Stand Against Solitude” (2024), 25.4 x 34.4 inches
“If You’re Here, Congratulations” (2026), mechanical pencil on paper, 22.4 x 30.3 inches
“Undone B” (2023), mechanical pencil on paper, 36 x 36 inches
“Sad Boy” (2025), mechanical pencil on paper
“Idol”
“Wet Dog” (2025), mechanical pencil on paper
“Mother”
“A Rodent in the House 03” (2025), 22.5 x 30.25 inches
Dark Emotions Evoke Growth in Alejandro Aguliar Canela’s Graphite Drawings
Image © Roman Dean, shard with permission.
Dark Emotions Evoke Growth in Alejandro Aguliar Canela’s Graphite Drawings
Image © Roman Dean, shard with permission.