Alan David Mejia, known as Alandavid, is a Miami-based multidisciplinary artist known for transforming reclaimed objects and discarded materials into thought provoking works of art. Born in Miami Beach, raised in Westchester, and now residing in Homestead, Alan’s work is rooted in themes of renewal, environmental awareness, urban decay and sprawl, plus self reflection. His art challenges conventional ideas of beauty and waste. Alan scavenges streets, beaches, mangroves, alleys, backroads and waterways to unearth forgotten items. Metal scraps, broken electronics, plastic debris, polystyrene, just to name a few, are repurposed into raw, visually compelling assemblages, sculptures, and mixed media pieces.
Blurring the lines between trash and treasure, Alandavid’s work recognizes and celebrates the resilience of materials and people, the concept of waste, and the sometimes overlooked beauty of what can become of it. The constant grind of South Florida life and work can also be seen in his work. It reminds us of the difficulty of leaving a place that is no longer what it once was, and the struggle to survive in a city who’s growth, excess, and cost of living is far beyond that of other places. His bold compositions reflect the vibrancy, frequency, and grit of Miami itself, drawing influence from street culture, oceanic and Caribbean aesthetics, and the ongoing tension between the chaos of development and diminishing presence of natural order in our landscape.
Whether exhibiting in galleries, creating custom art, or collaborating with other artists, Alan David uses art to start conversations about survival, beauty, waste, and the transformative power of imagination.
Trapt
Crab trap, barnacles, uncut/attached rope, plywood from shipping crate (all reclaimed), epoxy, adhesive, aerosol rubber coating, screws, nylon. 68 x 35.5 inches.
Created from objects discovered in and near the ocean, Trapt contains multiple parallels to life and art in Miami. These items would have been sent to our landfill, but have now become a conversation piece, and continue on a new journey of hope, connection, and meaning. The concept of ‘The Art of Waste’ is explored here.
Stone crabs are well known in Miami and traps can be found throughout South Florida waterways. The featured trap here is a “ghost trap” – one that was lost and eventually washed up on shore. The rope is one piece and uncut. The ends of the rope branch out to darkness and light.
The “face” image resembles an Aztec God and reminds us that regardless of how powerful an empire may be, like the Aztec Empire or Atlantis once was, it eventually falls. With overdevelopment and buildings sinking in the sand, our beloved city is no different.
Created from a trap, it represents our personal struggles. Whether we feel trapped in our city, trapped in a job or relationship where we are unhappy, or even trapped in a neighborhood that seems inescapable. The essence of our souls and consciousness are also contained in our physical bodies, where we are essentially and luckily still “trapped”, in a good way. It is a reflection on who we are and where we are. Until we move on from this dimension and leave this Earth, it serves as a reminder to enjoy the gift of our lives and limited time here.
