Jovan Karlo Villalba
Miami, Florida
Jovan Karlo Villalba is an American contemporary artist. Villalba grew up in Miami, Florida. He graduated from New World School of the Arts in 1995 and from the Cooper Union School of Art in 1999. In 2001, he acquired his first art studio in New York's Chelsea Art District, and shortly after began to exhibit his work at nearby galleries.
In the past decade, Villalba has exhibited his work at art galleries, fairs, cultural institutions and museums throughout the United States, including at solo exhibitions in New York City, Los Angeles and Miami. His work has been published and collected worldwide. In February 2013, Villalba was featured in a documentary titled "Imagination Unleashed: An Artisan's Journey" that aired nationally on Ovation TV. He presently lives and works in Miami, Florida.
How and when did you start creating art?
I began drawing before I can remember. My mother kept a few of her favorite drawings for me to see as I got older. I continued creating art and eventually attended the New World School of the Arts high school. There, under the direction and influence of Tom Wyroba and Jim Hunter, I decided to pursue a career in art. Soon after, I received an acceptance letter to attend the Cooper Union School of Art in New York City.
What media and genres do you work in?
I work mostly with oil on steel and canvas. I also enjoy creating and experimenting with many other mark-making materials and surfaces, including found objects. Most of my recent paintings are of environments; interior, exterior, man-made, natural, or a mix of all of the above.
Who or what are your influences?
I'm influenced by life; people, places, ideas, trends, art, nature, music, current events, and personal experiences... a reaction to all these are infused in my work. Artists: Goya, Cy Twombly, Anselm Kiefer, Jules de Balincourt, Matthew Ritchie and many more.
What was your inspiration for On the Rise?
This work was inspired by the present-day Miami landscape. One that's still filled with halted construction high-rises and ruins. I used the haunting image of one of these multi-level behemoths as a metaphor for man's struggle to build in harmony with our land.
Describe your creative process?
I often begin working once I have an idea and/or feeling that I need to express. Sometimes I use a sketch or image as a starting point, but my work never ends up looking like anything I start with. The creative process really begins when I begin to put paint onto the surface and a kind of dialogue between myself and the work takes place. With my current paintings on steel, light and motion in addition to paint are key in the creative exchange as the surface reflectivity comes into play. The works are not finished until I achieve a balance between these elements, which is usually determined by form and subject.
What are you working on currently?
For the new year I will be creating a new body of work that will hopefully push the boundaries (conceptually, physically, and visually) that I have subconsciously put on myself and my work. I'm excited to see where that takes me.
What are your near/long term goals as an artist?
My goals for the year are to unveil this new body of work in a solo exhibition and to exhibit to broader audiences by creating larger works, including works in public spaces with organizations that I admire, like Giants in the City: www.giantsinthecity.com
Where can people view/purchase your work (gallery, website, etc)?
My work may be purchased directly through me. Visit www.jovankarlo.com to view more of my work. I also use Facebook to update fans on any recently completed work and upcoming shows and events: www.facebook.com/jovanart