‘Version 15'; and ‘Down' emphasize David Algarin's stark and bold creations.

WHO: David Algarin III, 26

BEST KNOWN FOR: Working quickly and impulsively. “I'm extremely impatient,” said Algarin, which is why acrylic paints are one of his favorite media — they dry fast. “I don't try to go with a plan at all. I just jump in.” Perhaps that's why many of his drawings look like hasty doodles and unfinished sketches. “I think 99 percent of my work is unfinished,” he said. “At the opening (of the exhibit ‘The Story So Far' at Mandala), I was staring at one of my pieces, and I just wanted to grab a marker from my truck and climb up there and change it.”

Algarin's speed contributes to the authenticity and directness of his work. He doesn't even fix mistakes. “I accidentally spill something on it, I leave it there. That's a part of the painting,” he said.

CURRENTLY: “The Story So Far” includes a cross-section of Algarin's works. His paintings are dominated by figures, especially women's bodies, which resemble “mannequins with missing body parts.” Why women? “I like curves and circles and things like that. It just revolves around the curves,” he said.

The exhibit also includes four collages Algarin created at his job using Wite-Out, paper, a pen and random pages torn out from a paperback mystery by Anne Perry.

ON THE WEB: myspace.com/artealgarin

BACKGROUND: Born in Puerto Rico and raised in San Antonio, Algarin is self-taught.
 
DAY JOB: Working the help desk at a Washington Mutual call center

CHECK HIM OUT: “The Story So Far” runs through March 10 at Mandala, 1701 Blanco Road. Call (210) 347-5692.

Jessica Belasco | 210SA Contributor