The Come Up
Born and raised in the South Bronx, 26 year old Devon Rodriguez’s artistic journey began when he was just 5 years old. Continuing to draw and dabbling in graffiti at 13, he knew he needed to pursue his passion. He set his sights on the High School of Art and Design, and though rejected at first, he persisted and was accepted the following year. With the support of an encouraging art teacher, he found his true calling in portraiture and painting.
Rodriguez’s art is a journey through the concrete jungle of New York, but it’s not just about the scenery. It’s about the people, the expressions, the vibe of the city. He turned the mundane act of commuting on the 6 train into a treasure trove of inspiration, snapping photos of subway riders to later transform into his unique masterpieces.
The Style that Resonates
Let’s talk about his style, because it’s more than just brush strokes and color palettes. Devon’s art is about capturing the soul and essence of his subjects. He doesn’t just replicate photographs; Rodriguez breathes life into them, creating a sense of empathy that photos just can not achieve.
Whether it’s a “Woman in a brown coat” or “Ripped Jeans,” each painting is a narrative. It’s storytelling through the art of observation. He sees beyond the surface, drawing insights from the clothing brands people wear and the neighborhoods they get off at, and translates them into his works. You’ll find modern elements like H&M bags and 7Eleven ads, which reveal the demographics and styles of the city. The logos and brands are more than mere images; they are timestamps, the rhythm of the streets.
September 6th: A BIG Debut
“Underground,” set to open on September 6th at UTA Artist’s Space’s pop-up venue in Chelsea, is a continuation of the work that shot Rodriguez to social media stardom. It features subjects from not just the New York subway, but also the London Underground and metro systems in Barcelona and Paris. PlayLab, a creative agency, transformed the pop-up space with an MTA-inspired design, complete with abstract subway cars and LED trains rolling by.
Connecting with the Bronx and Beyond
Through his art, Devon is not just showcasing his incredible talent; he’s opening doors to the Bronx’s creativity and vibrant culture. He’s connected with local creatives like sculptors, filmmakers, and designers, all while highlighting the Bronx as a “cool, colorful, edgy place.”
Rodriguez’s work is not just about aesthetics; it’s about representation, about giving a voice to the overlooked and capturing the psychology of the city’s heart and soul. His work tells us that art is not confined to galleries and museums; it’s in the everyday, the mundane, the real stories of real people.
Devon Rodriguez’s art is a celebration of life, the beauty of the ordinary, and the complexity of the human spirit. From graffiti to fine art, from the South Bronx to the spotlight, his journey is an inspiring tale of perseverance, vision, and undeniable talent.
His big debut on September 6th is more than just an exhibition; it is a statement, a declaration that art is for everyone, a reflection of society and a glimpse into the world as he sees it. Rodriguez’s unique style has set him apart in the art world, making him a beacon of creativity and a true portraitist for a new era.
So next time you’re riding the subway, take a moment to observe, to feel, to connect. You might just see the world through the eyes of an artist.
