Missing Image

Cris Matos

cris@manicato.com's picture
Neighborhood: Mission
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Singer/Songwriter, photographer, painter and mixed media artist. Cris is an accomplished salsa sonero songwriter for 35+ years and an award-winning lead vocalist and songwriter for Manicato, his son Israel’s Puerto Rican Latin funk, rock and reggae band. He plays harmonica and sings Latin Blues with his other son, Javier. His lyrics travel between making strong statements about injustices he finds in the international press to inspirational words of world unity to songs of deep love for his colonized home country of Puerto Rico

Both a women’s and children’s' advocate, having a daughter and multiple granddaughters of his own, his lyrics reflect his wishes and warnings for all girl’s and women’s futures.

Cris is also a professional and a fine art photographer. He is known for the fine art perspective he brings to an assignment that documents performances and visual art exhibitions.

He has worked as an installation preparator and documentation specialist for Asian American Women Artists Association for over 10 years, Cynthia Tom – visual artist, A PLACE OF HER OWN.org, Reiko Fujii – visual artist, Susan Almazol – performance artist, The Blue Shadows-Blues, Israel and the Outsiders, and Manicato.

Art Statement
I am an artist that relies on intuition and a connection to a power beyond our comprehension to create my art. Both visual and performing art platforms are important for artists like myself to express our wishes for the planet.
For my photography, I try to capture everyday moments as little miracles. Using light and geometric cropping, I want to inspire wonder and a child spirit in our view of the world. My mixed media paintings come from trusting the piece to unfold in front of me, often driven by the found materials in front of me.
My main love and passion is singing and songwriting. I sing songs of love and heart break, infusing social justice themes driven by my experience as a Puerto Rican soul. I believe I am here to channel our higher spirit, creating work that may help others experience joy, peace, resolution, resilience and love. I sing with many bands, but my highest priority is my band with my son, Israel Matos, Manicato. (Taino Indian word meaning – “person of bold valiant heart”)
www.manicato.com
www.facebook.com//CrisMatos
www.instagram.com//CrisMatosArt