About Forrealism
Contemporary Indigenous Art | Mural Projects | Cultural Storytelling
Forrealism is a visionary art studio and creative collective led by multidisciplinary artist Joaquin Alejandro Newman. Rooted in contemporary Indigenous American identity, Forrealism creates original works that bridge traditional knowledge with modern expression through painting, murals, digital media, film, and installation art.
For over twenty-five years, our practice has centered on public art, community-based mural projects, and culturally grounded arts education. We believe art is a form of truth-telling and a tool for social transformation—a portal to collective memory and future possibility.
Our work draws from ancient Mesoamerican imagery, Indigenous symbology, and the diverse lived experiences of modern Californians. From reinterpretations of codex-style narrative paintings to bold calavera-based satire in the spirit of José Guadalupe Posada, Forrealism explores themes of resilience, identity, mythology, and the everyday sacred.
Whether collaborating on large-scale public art projects, mentoring youth through culturally relevant arts education, or experimenting with new digital media forms, Forrealism continues to innovate while honoring ancestral roots.
Explore our latest work in the [Online Gallery] and follow us on social media to stay connected to current mural projects, community collaborations, and exhibitions.
A cast concrete glyph from the REACH Ashland Youth Center, by Eduardo Pineda & Joaquin Newman. A project of the County of Alameda, and an example of the many public art projects produced by Forrealism artists.
Public Art & Murals
The creative collaborative of Joaquin Alejandro Newman, Eduardo Pineda, Evelyn Orantes, and Jerarde Gutierrez is dedicated to nurturing community and creativity. Since 2008 they produced over ten murals, public art installations, and community based art interventions.
A detail from an oil-painting by Joaquin Alejandro Newman, “Dos Calacas y Una Gitana:”, 2015.
Paintings & Prints
Paintings by Forrealism artists Joaquin Newman & Sean Nash showcase indigenous iconography, contemporary Muerto Pop-Art, and mixed
A raptor emerges from a surreal, futuristic vision in this oil-painting by Joaquin Newman
Modern Visions
Our practice of art-making is a ritual of crafting beauty in time and space with the intention of sharing it in the spaces of others. Find your own peace with one of our artworks.