Artist Spotlight: Robert Nava
NOV 24th, 2024
Robert Nava, an emerging force in contemporary art, captivates audiences with his bold, fantastical paintings. His work is characterized by its vibrant energy and playful depictions of mythical creatures such as angels, sharks, and dragons. By embracing a raw, childlike spontaneity, Nava redefines the boundaries of figurative art, blending imaginative storytelling with an abstract sensibility.
Nava’s journey as an artist has been unconventional. Before fully immersing himself in the art world, he worked as a truck driver, balancing labor-intensive days with time dedicated to his craft. This duality of life experiences has profoundly influenced his art, infusing it with a rugged authenticity. Critics often compare his work to that of Jean-Michel Basquiat due to its unfiltered emotional intensity and dynamic compositions, though Nava's pieces carve their own distinct path through themes of myth and contemporary symbolism.
His artistic process is rooted in immediacy. Nava frequently uses acrylics, grease pencils, and markers to create pieces that feel alive with movement and narrative potential. His subjects often embody dichotomies—angels can be both saviors and aggressors, while sharks exude both menace and whimsy. This balance between good and evil, along with his deliberate embrace of “imperfections,” gives his works a depth that invites multiple interpretations.
In Nava’s universe, art becomes a "portal" for viewers to explore their own emotions and experiences. Through his unapologetic approach, he conveys sincerity and “badass energy,” offering a refreshing take on contemporary myth-making.
