Tag: Robert Nava

Robert Nava, driven by the urge to create contemporary myths, constructs a whimsical world of shape-shifting beings. His inspiration is a fascinating blend of prehistoric cave art, Egyptian motifs, and cartoons.

Using a dynamic blend of spray paint, acrylics, and grease pencil, Nava’s large-scale paintings depict fantastical creatures, radiating a candid playfulness that breaks the mold of high art. These pieces beckon viewers to rediscover their childhood imaginations.

Having discarded conventional rules learned during his MFA at Yale, Nava embraces an irreverent approach akin to “bad” painting. His hybrid creatures, sketched and reworked daily, range from dragon-like to angelic, showcasing his constant inventive process.

Painting to the rhythm of techno music, Nava’s art conjures a magical realm of transformation and vitality. While offering an escape from cynicism, his works don’t shy away from implied violence, channeled through dynamic animals and graffiti-like marks reminiscent of Cy Twombly and Jean-Michel Basquiat.

Nava’s art is found in esteemed collections like Musée d’Art Moderne (Paris), Art Institute of Chicago, and more. His exhibitions, including “Bloodsport” and “Angels,” bridge fantasy with reflection on innocence and its restoration.