Today we’d like to introduce you to Gabriela Jaxon.
Hi Gabriela, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I was born in Lima, Peru, and moved to the United States in the early 2000s, driven by the need to escape the turbulence of hardship. My journey into art began early, as I found myself drawn to creative expression as a means to navigate and make sense of the world around me. Art was never just a hobby; it became my language, a way to carve beauty out of the challenges life presented.
In those formative years, art became my sanctuary. Whether through collaging, sculpting, or painting, I found peace and the ability to thrive, even amidst the most difficult circumstances. Each piece I created was a small victory, a way to turn adversity into something tangible and inspiring, transforming my emotions into ethereal portals that invite others to step into moments of reflection and resilience.
Pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Communications deepened my understanding of human behavior and the ways in which we connect with one another. This knowledge has subtly informed my work, weaving themes of resilience and transformation throughout my art.
New York City marked the beginning of a new chapter in my life. Amidst the city’s energy, I embraced the role of a full-time artist and muralist. My first commercial mural commission—a 70-foot by 17-foot canvas in a Brooklyn high-rise—was more than just a project; it was a defining moment. This experience signaled the merging of my cultural heritage and personal experiences into powerful, public expressions.
Today, my work continues to draw from these roots, creating art that resonates with those who, like me, have navigated their paths through adversity. Each piece stands as a testament to the beauty found in resilience, capturing stories in color and form that speak to the strength within us all.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The road has been anything but smooth, yet it’s the very roughness of the journey that has shaped both my art and my perspective. Moving to the U.S. from Peru as a child brought immediate challenges—learning a new language, adapting to a different culture, and enduring the longing that comes from being unable to visit family in Peru for over a decade. This created a sense of uncertainty about where home truly is, a theme that subtly echoes through my work.
Being the first woman in my family to graduate from college, drive, learn English, and start my own business came with its own set of pressures. Navigating these “firsts” without a roadmap was both empowering and challenging, pushing me to carve out a path where none existed before. Turning my passion for art into a career required not only overcoming self-doubt but also defying societal expectations.
Each step forward was met with its own set of obstacles—finding my voice in a new country, breaking into the competitive art world, and continually pushing the boundaries of what I thought possible. There were moments of doubt, where the weight of these challenges felt almost insurmountable. But it was in these moments that I found the strength to keep going, drawing on the resilience that has been at the core of my journey.
The process of creating art itself often mirrored these struggles—transforming raw emotion and hardship into something tangible and meaningful. Whether it was the first time I stood before a towering blank wall in NYC, ready to create my first large-scale mural, or the countless hours spent refining my craft, each challenge was a test of my resolve and a testament to the power of perseverance.
These experiences have not only shaped me into a more resilient artist but have also deepened my commitment to creating art that empowers and inspires others. My journey has taught me that the road may be uneven and unpredictable, but it is precisely these challenges that carve out the space for growth, transformation, and the creation of something truly impactful.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My work is an exploration of resilience, identity, and transformation, woven through the medium of public art, fine art, and sculptures. I specialize in creating large-scale murals and installations that serve as both visual landmarks and catalysts for community connection. My expertise extends across various mediums—whether it’s the delicate brushstrokes of acrylics, the rich depth of oil painting, the dynamic energy of spray paint, or the dimensionality of 3D art. Each technique is a vessel for expression, allowing me to explore the full spectrum of artistic possibility.
What sets my work apart is its ability to merge the personal with the universal. My artistic interests are diverse, encompassing the timeless allure of Greek mythology, the mysterious depths of ocean life, the ornate grandeur of Baroque, the natural beauty of flora and fauna, and the pursuit of beauty itself. Yet, each piece I create is deeply rooted in the stories of the people and places they inhabit, turning walls and spaces into ethereal portals that invite reflection and dialogue.
I am most proud of the impact my work has had on the communities I’ve been privileged to serve. Whether it’s a mural that brings vibrant energy to an urban landscape or an installation that fosters a sense of belonging, my art is designed to empower and inspire. Projects like the ‘Love and Peace’ murals in St. Petersburg or collaborations with organizations such as PACE for Girls are not just about beautifying spaces—they are about creating vibrant expressions of unity and resilience, often reflecting the diverse experiences of the communities I work with.
My journey has also led me to share my insights on a broader stage, such as being a Meta-sponsored creator and a panelist at the Meta x Sephora beauty summit at Meta Headquarters in Los Angeles. These opportunities have allowed me to advocate for diversity and inclusivity, using my art as a platform to amplify underrepresented voices.
Ultimately, what distinguishes my work is the intention behind each piece. Every mural, every installation is crafted not just to beautify a space, but to tell a story, to create a space for reflection, and to inspire those who encounter it. My art is not about decoration; it’s about transformation—of spaces, of communities, and of the individuals who engage with it.
What matters most to you? Why?
What matters most to me is the ability to create meaningful connections—both through my art and in the communities I engage with. Art, for me, is more than a form of expression; it’s a bridge that links individuals, stories, and emotions. I believe in the power of art to open hearts and minds, to foster a sense of belonging, to inspire change, and to reveal beauty in unexpected places. My work often seeks to create spaces where people can find a piece of themselves, where they feel seen and understood, no matter their background or journey.
The ‘why’ is rooted in my own experience. Having faced the challenges of immigration, language barriers, and cultural dislocation, I’ve come to understand the profound importance of feeling connected to something greater than oneself. My art is a way to offer that connection to others. Whether it’s a mural that brightens a neighborhood or an installation that invites reflection, what matters most to me is that my work serves as a catalyst for connection, understanding, beauty, and empowerment.
Ultimately, I am driven by the desire to make a lasting impact—not just through the art itself, but through the conversations and connections it sparks. This is what gives my work purpose and what continually fuels my passion to create.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.chromasthetic.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/gabrielajaxon
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/gabrielajaxon
- Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/gabrielajaxon
Image Credits
Katya Scagnelli Photography
