Artist Statement: I want to portray loosing yourself in imagination to break away from the day to day life.
Often described as “the man in five places at once” and “one of the nicest people you’ll ever meet,” Art87jr, also known as Jason Manuel Rodriguez, has been a professional artist in New Orleans for the last eleven years. Bronx-born and Miami-raised, Jason is known worldwide for his “Creative Identity” series, primarily portrayed through paintings of the human figure dissolving into color bursts. His style is described as a fusion of abstract expressionism and realism. Jason has designed and executed several mural projects across the United States. His most current work was commissioned by a global nonprofit, the International Foundation of Arts and Culture. This art installation, featuring a playable painted piano, was created to become part of the permanent collection at the Ogden Museum of Southern Art in New Orleans. Additionally, his work has been shown in Times Square, Art Basel, and ArtPrize. Jason also exhibits his work across the country at some of the top arts festivals, such as Neptune Festival in Virginia Beach, Three Rivers in Pittsburgh, and Ann Arbor in Michigan. He sells his artwork globally and is currently represented by Red FishBowl Gallery in Pittsburgh and Miette in New Orleans.