NALA
About the Artist
Hailing from Brooklyn, New York, Jason Pulgarin is a socially conscious Puerto Rican Colombian artist who captivates his audience with thought-provoking art. Jason's passion for art was evident from an early age as he instinctively started drawing using anything he could get his hands on. Recognizing his talent, his grandmother encouraged him and bought him his first set of markers.
Despite facing poverty and having an imprisoned father as an adolescent, Jason found solace in creating art. Daily inspiration stemmed from his embedded Santeria-Catholic religion and the vibrant culture of the five boroughs surrounding him. From classic cartoons and high fashion, to raw graffiti and street culture, Jason knew his destiny was to become an artist.
Jason attended programs from both Pratt Institute and the prestigious Cooper Union where he honed his skills in figurative drawing, graphic design, printmaking, and photography. However, it was during a guest lecture by renowned artist Tristan Eaton that Jason's artistic journey took a dramatic turn. The two artists connected, and Jason embarked on a long and creative journey under Eaton's tutelage.
Jason was offered an internship at Thunderdog Studios, Eaton's design firm, where he gained invaluable experience in running gallery shows, working on major international art projects, and even traveling overseas. With Eaton's guidance, Jason navigated the fickle art world, eventually being promoted to Eaton's assistant. Later, he became a member of the street art collective Trustocorp, solidifying his place in the art world.
After graduation, Jason joined Eaton in Los Angeles, where they continued their creative collaboration. The west coast provided Jason with even more opportunities, including the chance to work with world-renowned artist, Shepard Fairey. It was Fairey who taught Jason the complex and intricate art of printmaking. Jason will be forever be grateful of the experience, and maintains a strong connection with Fairey.
Jason’s artistic style incorporates child-like lines and vibrant colors, but his body of work extends beyond mere aesthetics. He delves into a variety of political and religious themes, exploring topics such as pre-gentrification Williamsburg and the blending of Santeria, an Afro-Caribbean religion, with Catholic iconography. Recently, he has also started creating sculptures, drawing inspiration from cultural items that shaped his upbringing.
Atusa Jafari's works are inspired by the nature of human beings which she expresses by using symbolism. In her works physical body, psyche and the outside world become one. The compositions involve the viewers directly and allow them to become part of the scenery.
Her artistic journey began with making portraits of women in their private surroundings. Today she paints self-portraits in which reality and fantasy blur. Jafari's oil paintings are meant to capture honest moments, free from social constraints. Her works are introspective, pursuing a way inwards and deal with the dualities of human nature. To this end, light and shadow became one of the central themes in her recent works.
Other Represented Artists