With surrealist wit and imagination, this Cuban-born artist challenges our conventional views of the city.

"Brighton is still a daunting place for me. I've been here for seven years now. and even though it feels like home, sometimes I find myself looking at places and buildings as if I'm seeing them for the first time.

When an image, an angle or something 'hits' me, the fun begins. I draw the view (usually late at night, when rational thinking is asleep). Then my brain starts its journey of replacing items, meanings and readings.

Why not have penguins walking down the road. or a Soviet rocket for a tower. does it matter, really? Isn't Brighton itself surrealist enough? Maybe being an outsider helps me to see the wonders and details of this city you can miss due to everyday life. I hope I never come across as judgemental or cynical in my paintings. My priority while I'm doing them is to have a laugh.

Maybe I've inherited that from my dad, who was a very funny guy. It's hugely rewarding to see how onlookers' faces change while they are in front of my versions of their city. Influences and inspirations? Too many! Mankind started painting their surroundings in caves thousands of years ago."

Alberto Martinez