Artist Statement: Bronx born, Miami raised, and New Orleans based artist Art87jr a.k.a. Jason Manuel Rodriguez has made a name for himself in the arts globally. Jason is best known for his “Creative Identity” series primarily portrayed through paintings of the human figure dissolving into color bursts. His style is described as a clash of abstract and realism or Magritte meets Jackson Pollock. Often described as the man in five places at once and one of the nicest people you’ll ever meet, Jason has designed and executed several mural projects across the US. His most current piece, a collaborative mural with his wife and professional artist Heather Marie Dickens, has received great interest in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The mural features a jazz band at Turnstiles Music Venue. Additionally, his work has been featured in Times Square New York, Art Basel Miami, and on WGNO’s News with a Twist. Jason also exhibits his work across the country at some of the top ten arts festivals in the country, such as Neptune Festival in Virginia Beach, Three Rivers in Pittsburgh, and ArtScape in Baltimore to name a few. Currently, Jason lives and works in New Orleans under the alias “Art87jr”. He has sold his artwork globally, is an established professional artist, and is currently represented by Red Fish Bowl Gallery in Pittsburgh PA.