Alexi G. Orduño
Alexi G. Orduño is a North Sacramento artist who paints the people, places, and experiences that shaped him. His larger-than-life acrylic paintings evoke neighborhood camaraderie, lifelong brotherhood, and nostalgic moments of the brown experience. As a first generation Mexican American, Alexi’s work is a deeply personal exploration of identity, culture, and resilience.
Entirely self-taught, Alexi approaches art as a bridge to his heritage, starting with pencil to paper sketches that evolve into bold, layered pieces. Whether painting, tattooing, or printmaking, his work tells stories that celebrate community and shared experiences.
Inspired by family, nature, and the music of the early 2000s, Alexi captures the essence of la cultura without relying on traditional symbols. His art invites viewers to connect with feelings of belonging, pride, and nostalgia.
Title: Parque With Loved Ones
Materials: Acrylic Paint And Sharpie On Canvas
Dimensions: 48” x 60”
Much of my childhood was spent at the park, playing soccer and building friendships. “Parque with loved ones” is meant to tell a love story. You see a boyfriend and girlfriend in love, passing their time on a bench. You see the love of a father and his kids, him showing up feeling exhausted but still laying out in the grass being present. I have those exact memories of my own father. No matter what, he always showed up for us, even after long days at work. There's the love of a game and the love of community. There's a game with five or six kids learning how to play soccer and how to connect and communicate with each other. I remember building that communication with other little kids my age and building friendships that I still have to this day. There's the love and hustle of the culture of the vendors. They are there like clockwork doing their work because they have people that they care for that they support. One of the focal points of “Parque with loved ones” is a vendor with his young daughter hanging out of his cart. This image came from a moment I experienced and I realized how significant this scene was. The father is working while his daughter, though not actively helping him, is simply enjoying her time at the park. This scene represents a normal day for them, where the little girl is blissfully unaware that this is work for her father. Soon, she will be expected to assist him, as it is part of the life she was born into. This image beautifully shows the complex and often deep realities of being an immigrant in this country. It illustrates how family dynamics, work, and the innocence of childhood come together in everyday life, symbolizing the reality many immigrant families face. These experiences shaped my understanding of my culture and community, reminding me of the importance of family, friendship, and hard work. There’s nothing but love at the park.
Title: Moños De Mis Primas
Materials: Acrylic Paint And Sharpie On Canvas
Dimensions: 48” x 48”
“Moños De Mis Primas” is a vibrant celebration of culture, showcasing the intricate altars found in our homes, the rich colors of bows and flowers used in offerings and the deep-rooted traditions that may appear unusual to some but are cherished in our community. This is my way of displaying the elegance of my primas proudly wearing these big moños. While some may view them as tacky, I think they embody a unique beauty and sophistication. You can see an abundance of flowers, alongside Catholic figurines and photographs of departed family members, illustrating the sacredness of remembrance. The importance of keeping a candle lit and honoring loved ones through their photographs is a vital aspect of our culture. These things arejust important elements to what the Cultura is.
Title: Chiqui Xoco
Materials: Acrylic Paints On Canvas
Dimensions: 48” x 48”
“Chiqui Xoco” is a vivid memory of celebrating my little sister’s fifth birthday in Santa María del Refugio On the rancho where my dad was born. That trip in 1998 was life-changing for me I connected with my cousins, who welcomed me as their primo hermano from CA. This photo was taken by my dad that night, soon after the photo was taken I was pushing my sister's face in the birthday cake, thinking it was hilarious, while my cousins chased me around, pretending to be angry. Everyone, including my dad, was laughing and enjoying the moment.There was no sense of disappointment just joy and playfulness. My little sister still had the little birthday hat on and I remember seeing her crying with her face
covered in hella crema from the cake. It was a big event at the Rancho and the entire community came out to celebrate. The choir was there, and my grandma was still alive, she was blind by that time but joined in the festivities. I can still remember the smells of the outdoors, the laughter that filled the air, and my cousins teasing me, saying, “Alexi, you’re so bad! Why did you do that?”.
title: With the Homies At The Abando
Materials: Acrylic Paint Canvas
Dimensions: 48” x 48”
“With the homies at the abando” is inspired by a photograph of me and friends from around 2008 or 2009. It was a carefree and reckless time often gathering at "the abando" a house that we took over where the boy Chubbz had previously lived. It served as our unofficial kickback spot, where we spent countless nights partying, bonding, and experiencing life. That photo signifies more than just a moment; it represents my transition from adolescence to adulthood.