Michael A. Rodriguez

Artist Statement

My primary focus lies in oil painting, where I delve into the depths of storytelling and narrative through vivid brushstrokes and rich textures. Each canvas explores the themes of culture and identity, drawing upon my Puerto Rican roots and the urban landscape of NYC. I also explore the themes of culture and identity through portraiture of myself and/or other people.

But my artistic journey doesn't end there. I am constantly expanding my practice, experimenting with drawing, sculpture, printmaking, photography, bookmaking, textiles, and beyond. These diverse mediums allow me to explore new avenues of expression and bring my stories to life in unexpected ways.

Central to my work is the use of narrative and storytelling. Through the unlikely protagonists of rats, cockroaches, and pigeons, I weave tales that delve into the complexities of culture and identity. These creatures, often overlooked or even reviled, become symbols of the significance of the culture and identity of New York City.

Through my work, I seek to empower viewers to reconsider their preconceptions, inviting them to engage with narratives that celebrate the complexity and richness of cultural identities. Whether through the intricate patterns of a textile or the stark lines of a charcoal sketch, I strive to foster dialogue and connection, encouraging viewers to see the world through a lens that celebrates diversity and honors the resilience of those who call New York City home.

In essence, my artistic journey is a continuous exploration of the human experience, where each stroke of paint or thread weaves together stories that resonate across borders and generations. As I evolve and embrace new mediums and techniques, I remain dedicated to the transformative power of art to provoke thought, inspire empathy, and illuminate the universal truths that unite us all.

Biography

Michael Austin Rodriguez is a Puerto Rican-American fine artist born and based amidst the streets of New York City. His artistic journey reflects the vibrant tapestry of cultures and experiences that define his heritage and his home. He is currently a student at Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, NY; studying Art and Design Education (Initial K-12 Teaching Certification) in a BFA/MA 5-year program with a Painting Concentration and a minor in Art History.

His primary focus is on oil paintings on canvas and wood panel surfaces in a variety of sizes, however, he also occasionally works on traditional and digital mediums. His inspirations are merely based on his culture, his hometown, and the people and animals around him. He had a few exhibitions associated with Pratt Institute and has recently been exhibited in a few group art exhibitions in galleries throughout New York City.

Being born and based in New York City, he was captivated by the diverse array of sights and sounds that make up the fabric of New York City at an early age. Growing up in the heart of this metropolis, he found inspiration in the unlikeliest of places – from the scurrying rats in the subway tunnels to the graceful flight of pigeons against the city skyline.

Ratón, Roachelle, and Coo-Coo-Cooper_2024_Oil Paint on Canvas_24 x 36 inches
The Embodiment of NYC_2023_Oil Paint on Wood Panel_11 x 14 inches
The Creator and his Creations_2024_Oil Paint on Canvas_16 x 20 inches
May the Best Rodent Win_2024_Oil Paint on Canvas_36 x 36 inches
Morning Roomie_2023_Oil Paint on Canvas_18 x 24 inches
A Day in the Park_2024_Oil Paint on Canvas_20 x 20 inches