Today we’d like to introduce you to Juan Salcedo.
Hi Juan, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Deemed “The Picasso of Gen Z,” by Univision’s Despierta América, Juan Salcedo, known professionally as Salcedo, is a twenty year-old multi-faceted artist, whose talents span diverse creative mediums, such as visual art, fashion design, and poetry. His works aim to reflect the boundless creativity and refracted perspectives of society’s youth. His goal is not to attain so-called “perfection,” or to work inside of the established notion of aesthetics. Instead, it is to demonstrate how he sees world, encapsulating all of the beauty and wretchedness within it.
“Outcast” is a term far too familiar to Salcedo. Growing up as an only child, of Colombian descent, inherently came with many differences to what everyone else seemed to be living throughout his childhood. Imposed limitations and hindered experiences served the same purpose cocoons seem to do for caterpillars. The struggle and desire to escape has crafted the beauty that is the diverse perspectives and ambiguity Salcedo portrays within his artistry. Years of observation, analysis, and day-dreaming, of unknown experiences were the key to enabling his unique vision and ability to create. He is the epitome of strategic risk-taking and self belief.
Salcedo is characterized by what seems to be an innate fire and sense of rebellion that can be seen by many, through his passion and dedication towards his career as an artist. Confidence and integrity are sometimes misinterpreted as arrogance and egotism, but they are the keys to his success. Completely self-taught, and fully immersed within his “autodidact life,” he has attracted the attention of names like Lil Yachty and Olaolu Slawn, amongst an abundance of celebrity names and art collectors across the world. At his young age he has worked alongside galleries such as Aura Copeland Gallery, Colour Senses Project, and White’s Art Gallery, as well as garnered recognition from prestigious media outlets such as, Art E$tate Magazine, El Tiempo, W radio, and El Espectador.
The concept of failure is nonexistent in his mind. In his own words, “you can’t fear outcomes you don’t accept as possibilities—and me personally, I don’t give a f**k to risk my entire existence on success. I rather die trying to live than live wondering what it’s like to die without doing so.” The artist is currently based out of Miami where he continues to produce innovative work that consistently drives him up to be amongst today’s top emerging artists.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has absolutely not been a smooth road. There have been extreme highs and extreme lows but I’ve learned to adapt and evolve within that constant imbalance to always maintain some sort of progression. I think the biggest struggle so far has been dealing with the different perspectives and responses to my age considering what I’ve decided to construct a career out of. I started painting when I was 18, I’m now 20, and the same way I’m praised by many for being as young as I am and accomplishing what I have, there are those that believe I’m disoriented, delusional, and destructive. Artists are interpreted uniquely the same way art is, but for some reason I think that there are specific stereotypes and stigmas surrounding the career of an artist that may sometimes create fear or a sense of disregard in those who surround them. Many people have tried to push me away from this idea of being an artist, but fortunately many more have fostered it and supported my overall vision and ultimately helped me create everything that is my current life and career.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I think I’m one of the most unconventional artists you’ll ever meet so I’m not really sure if “Artist” captures exactly what I am, but it’s a start. At 15 years old I started a fashion label named Seiziemete, which over the course of 3 years achieved great success and constructed the platform for me to shift into, what I believe to be, the freest version of my creativity. One day in the summer of 2023, I decided to buy a canvas, I made a lot of weird art, and now we’re here. The story is a lot longer but, the way I just described it is kind of how I see it. It’s all a blur to me and, unless I specifically try to think of something, it has all felt like a constant loop of passion, dedication, and an intense desire to escape. In my head I am still at the beginning of a long journey; Yet to some, I’m the kid that was selling $15 t-shirts about 5 years ago, hand delivering them all over the city, and is now selling exotic paintings to Lil Yachty on his private jet, and exhibiting in galleries all over Miami. What I truly want everyone to know is that I’m still the same kid I was years ago at the start of all of this. I still struggle with anxiety, I have insecurities, and I don’t really believe I’m an “overly successful young artist.” I’m just extremely passionate in my craft and overwhelmed with the belief that I will be great.
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
I think it was this one night where I must’ve been around 3 years old, crying because I thought I saw something scary in the dark corners of my room in the middle of the night. My parents came in and told me they were gonna prove that there was nothing to be afraid of when all the lights were turned off. They grabbed me by my hands and took me into every room and closet in my house and made me look under every bed, saying “see there’s nothing here, it’s all the same whether the lights are on or off.” I remember that was the first time I ever got over a fear and found out how good it felt to do so. I think it’s my favorite memory because since then I’ve turned into both of those roles in my life, in the sense that I guide the inner child in me through metaphorical unknown corridors and dark rooms, but always seek to find something new or learn the truth behind various aspects of life. There are many things I overthink about or am scared to fully dive into but I always remember that regardless of what it is, my passionate curiosity, family, and those who I love most will be there with me and help me through the journey of discovery that is my life. Also, I now hate lights on in the house and try to be in the dark for as much as I can and it’s one of the best environments for me to think and plan out my creativity. Maybe I’m Batman who knows.
Pricing:
- I want to be accessible in the same way that i want to be exclusive. That comes with a lot of varying decisions in how i price my work but, the best thing is just to have a conversation with me and that will determine how much you end up paying, if you even have to.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://salcedo.studio/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/salcedostudio?igsh=bXp2czF1NmhocnRy&utm_source=qr
Image Credits
Valentina Alban-Paz
