photo by: Geoff Green
STATEMENT
As a multidisciplinary artist, I explore conceptualism and cultural themes through BioArt. My work utilizes traditional ‘arts’ media and organic materials like flora, fauna, soil, diatomaceous earth, plaster, and acrylic to blur the lines between art and nature.
Rooted in spirituality and cultural identity, my practice draws from my floristry, gardening, and the Tejano background. By reinterpreting Rasquachismo art theory and Curanderismo within a modern, minimal context, I bridge tradition and innovation, infusing my work with resourcefulness, cultural resonance, and technology.
Central to my practice are site-specific installations, which serve as platforms for ecological inquiry and multidisciplinary exploration. These large-scale works interact with and activate their environments, encouraging reflection on humanity’s connection with nature.
I aim to create a medium for connection, transformation, and introspection through my art. I invite viewers to journey beyond traditional art spaces and explore the intersections of art, nature, culture, identity, tradition, and innovation. My practice strives to ignite curiosity, provoke thought, and instill a sense of wonder about our world.
BIO
Juan M. Villanueva is a multidisciplinary artist whose journey from the vibrant wildflower-filled pastures of South Texas, with generational lineages tied to ranchers, to the bustling streets of Manhattan reflects the far-reaching depth of his cultural and natural influences.
Initially trained as a painter and sculptor at the prestigious School of the Art Institute of Chicago, Villanueva seamlessly integrates his fine arts background with his passion for floral design. Founding his design company, Villanueva Designs, in Manhattan in 2008, he has since merged his expertise in art and floristry to create captivating and immersive experiences.
His debut solo art exhibition in Chelsea, Manhattan, in early 2023 showcased his artistic talents' incredible and varied depth. Juan bridges tradition and innovation by reinterpreting and exploring the Tejano diaspora, Rasquachismo art theory, and Curanderismo in a modern, minimal context, infusing his work with resourcefulness, cultural resonance, and technology.
As a state-certified instructor at FlowerSchool NY, he is shaping the future of floral design by passing on his unique blend of skills to the next generation of master florists. His courses in floral design and large-scale site-specific installations are highly sought after internationally, reflecting his exceptional talent and influence in art and floral design communities.
Villanueva’s talent has captured the attention of industry titans throughout his career. Notably, he showcased his skills as a contestant on the HGTV/Discovery+ topiary competition 'Clipped!', judged by Martha Stewart. Porsche USA commissioned him to craft a floral botanical sculpture for the spring opening of the New York City Ballet in 2023.
In his art and floral design, Juan M. Villanueva continues to push boundaries and explore new intersections of creativity, nature, and cultural identity. He currently lives and works in Manhattan, NY.
IMDb
EMAIL
info@villanuevadesigns.com