In the Studio with Artist Edgar Nazarrio
My name is Edgar David Nazario. I am a multidisciplinary artist, musician, photographer, and filmmaker from Puerto Rico.
My oil work is a celebration of Latin American folklore, a rich tapestry of stories, traditions, and vibrant experiences. Through the vivid colors and playful brushstrokes, I seek to capture the essence of this cultural legacy, inviting viewers to immerse themselves in the colorful glory and spirited movement of my pieces. Each stroke and hue is deliberately chosen to evoke a sense of nostalgia, transporting the audience to a place where memories and traditions intermingle.
The dancing ladies that often grace my canvases embody the heart and soul of Latin American traditions. With every swirl of their skirts and graceful gestures, they breathe life into the stories that have been passed down through generations. Through my work, I aim to preserve and amplify these narratives, allowing them to resonate with contemporary audiences and foster a deeper understanding of our shared cultural heritage.
With every brushstroke, I aspire to illuminate the intricate threads of cultural identity, nostalgia, and folklore, weaving them into a tapestry that resonates with the universal human experience.
What style, genre or medium of art excites you the most?
Two mediums excite me the most: film photography, and oil painting. Both force me to be patient with the process, and into a creative energy that is more deliberate than instinctive.
How has your art/style evolved over time?
I pursue multiple disciplines. For me, I cycle through mediums to give my mind a break to shift perspective. The things I learn from one discipline carry over to the next. I feel like my style has shifted towards energy, movement, and vibrance.
What are you working on at the moment?
I'm finishing the Baila! Series (my dancing ladies), a collection of smaller oil and watercolor studies, and most recently, experimenting with clay sculpting and 3D modeling.
Where are you from and how does that affect your work?
I was raised in Puerto Rico. Our culture is very vibrant, boisterous, and lively. As I've started reconnecting with my roots, a lot of that vibrance and energy have carried over into my oil work. I love seeing rich colors pop.
What's your biggest barrier to being an artist? How do you address it?
Self-doubt is usually the hardest one to work through. Sharing my failed pieces has been instrumental in helping me discern better between self-doubt and genuine self critique, by getting a glimpse of how others perceive it.
In conjunction with the "Voices of Hispanic and Latinx Artists" on exhibit in CAC's Hal Gomer Gallery, Edgar is hosting a workshop on Taino Cemi Oil Painting here at CAC on Wednesday, October 11. This workshop is made possible through the generosity of the Maryland Heritage Area Authority
Voices of Hispanic and Latinx Artists
Hal Gomer Gallery | September 7 2023 - October 17, 2023
Artist Reception: September 21, 6 pm - 8 pm
Gallery Hours:
Monday-Thursday 10am-6pm | Saturday 10am-1pm