Alex Schaefer

Alex Schaefer is an American artist, painter, and activist based in Los Angeles. Born in 1969, he studied at the ArtCenter College of Design and later worked as a digital artist in the video game industry before transitioning into fine art. He is best known for his “Banks on Fire” series, a body of work depicting real-world financial institutions engulfed in flames. Often painted on location, these works serve as a visual critique of the global banking system and its role in economic instability. Schaefer’s practice blends traditional plein air painting with political activism, challenging viewers to reconsider the structures of modern finance. His work has been exhibited across California and has gained attention for both its bold imagery and controversial subject matter. In addition to his fine art career, he has contributed to the video game industry, including work on the Spyro the Dragon series, and has taught at institutions such as California State University, Los Angeles. His art has also found resonance within the Bitcoin community, where themes of decentralization and critique of traditional finance align closely with his visual language.