Today we’d like to introduce you to Rigo Leon.
Rigo, we’d love to hear your story and how you got to where you are today both personally and as an artist.
I was born in 1982 Havana, Cuba.
I have been a self-taught artist for as far back as I can remember. During childhood, I replace my toys for paint brushes. I have since then been fortunate enough to have many guides along the way, award-winning painters and sculptors that mentored me on how to perfect my skills. They also taught me many tricks of the trade such as how to work with metal and make monumental pieces.
1999, I came to Miami and in the early 2000’s, I begin working in the industry of graphics and postmodern printing for multinational corporations, from fashion to industrial, for the past ten years mixing all kind of elements using and exploring materials to create my own art, pop surrealistic using the technology and unconventional methods as my canvas, unique as no other.
Art is the language I use to communicate. Since childhood, in Havana, Cuba. I have made art to express myself and to connect with people, feeling the utmost necessity to share with others my points of views on life and society. My vision is to leave a positive imprint on the planet and a legacy for my kids to have— one that is bigger than art. They are my inspiration to move forward in toughs times, giving me that extra push to reach my dream.
We’d love to hear more about your art. What do you do you do and why and what do you hope others will take away from your work?
I believe that art is a responsibility to society. Whatever is expressed through art will be received by people, thus it is important to me that I am conscious of the message that I am communicating.
“Mono perceptual iris” is the phrase I use to best describe my art, meaning that everything one can see through their eyes is art. My paintings, murals, and interior designs are inspired by human behavior, nature (specifically plants) and city infrastructure (buildings). The “paper boat” concept I use in my art has evolved from love and loss, especially regarding immigration and the idea of buying a one-way ticket and leaving life as you know it behind in search for something better.
I use mixed media to create the concepts I am visually inspired by. A typical process usually includes sketching and graphic design, as well as other elements that I use for texture such as stencils, acrylic paint, markers and spray paint done on canvas, metal or wood.
The helping hand concept that I use in my art symbolizes my vision to reach out to and help as many people as possible in my lifetime. I believe that this can be accomplished by creating landmark murals and designs that will stand against the test of time, as well as by continuing my participation in art shows, fashion, and music videos to reach an international market.
What do you know now that you wished you had learned earlier?
Be yourself, don’t be afraid.
I used to describe my art as “unique” but it was soon thereafter, I realized that it, was too cliché or even egocentric to think so. The reality is, I do not intend or desire to be better than anyone, I just want to be me and have the opportunity to express just that, me.
BE FREE.
Do you have any events or exhibitions coming up? Where would one go to see more of your work? How can people support you and your artwork?
www.rigoleon.com
@rigoleonart
Contact Info:
- Website: www.rigoleon.com
- Email: Rigoleonart@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rigoleonart/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rigoleonart/
- Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/rigoleonart/
Image Credit:
Photographers: @img_willy, @christian_bahamonde
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