Alex Donis (born 1964, Chicago) is a Los Angeles-based visual artist renowned for his provocative, tri-cultural (Pop, Latino, and queer) work that explores the intersection of religion, politics, race, and sexuality. He frequently reimagines historical and political adversaries in romantic or playful embraces to challenge societal boundaries. 

Donis earned a bachelor’s degree from California State University, Long Beach, and a master’s degree from Otis College of Art and Design. Throughout his career, his explorations of identity and power dynamics have resulted in significant public controversy and debates about artistic censorship: 

• My Cathedral (1997): His solo exhibition at San Francisco’s Galería de la Raza featured paintings of historically and religiously opposed figures—such as Jesus kissing the Hindu deity Rama, and Cesar Chavez kissing Che Guevara—in homosexual embraces. The artwork sparked intense debate and was ultimately destroyed by vandals. [1, 2]

• WAR (2001): Displayed at the Watts Towers Arts Center, this exhibition featured paintings and audio installations depicting homoerotic and tender dance scenes between Los Angeles police officers and local gang members, as well as rival gang members dancing together. The exhibit was removed following community complaints, prompting the ACLU to intervene and sparking major public backlash regarding censorship. [1, 2]

Working across painting, installation, video, and works on paper, Donis continues to focus on how art and movement—such as classical ballet—can be used as metaphors to erase or transcend hatred. His art is held in the permanent collections of major institutions like the Los Angeles County Museum of Art and the San Diego Museum of Art