Featured Artist: Chris Riggs
Chris Riggs. New York Born Artist. This established artist once gave former New York City Mayor, Michael Bloomberg, a run for his money. He’s recognized for his life long fight for social equality and global peace as much as he is for his iconic art. A New York native with a Miami flare, we sat down with one of today’s most recognized sons of Brooklyn. Without further ado we bring you ‘Featured Artist: Chris Riggs’.
Inspired by New York Cities infamous wall murals and colorful graffiti, Chris’s passion for art would be born in the same city he called home. As early as the age of 5, his love for street art would endure and carry into his established career. “I would look at all the colorful graffiti on the walls in NYC. Then I would go home and draw it. I loved it, I thought it was amazing. I still love it." At 11 Chris took his love for street art to the streets of New York, ‘decorating’ abandon nooks throughout the city with his elaborate art. At 17, he would trade those aerosol cans for paint brushes, a path that would eventually gain him degrees at New York’s City College and Columbia University.
While at University, Chris also cemented his passion and determination for social change. Having been a student of political science, it’s no wonder why so many of his works reflect his push for equality and peace. In 2004, Chris’ push for social justice drove him to submit his candidacy for Mayor of New York City. Using his art as a medium to inspire voters, Chris began creating art under the name Chris Riggs for Mayor. Chris would use art to push change, promote peace and spread love. Although Chris did not become Mayor of New York, the objective was clear.
When we asked Chris about his experience and whether or not he would do it again, Chris wisely said: “No, I wouldn’t get into politics again because then you have to choose a side. It just seems like people on the left and right are just fighting with each other while the elites still control everything. So, I don’t want to get into it. I would rather just be more positive. The few people who run the world want us all to fight with each other. I’m not falling for their old tricks of divide and conquer. I am more interested in trying to promote peace around the planet. I’m very passionate about being antiwar. “
Chris’s ongoing mission to promote social awareness, peace and justice is evident in his art, even today. In 2010, Chris brought his talents to South Beach. As a Miami native ourselves, we asked Chris what brought him to Miami: “The weather and the people. I love the heat. I love how people are laid back here and can just chill and have a good time. In NYC people are to stressed and always on the run. Why pay more to live in the cold? In 2010 before my art started selling for crazy high prices money was an issue. So, I was looking around the country for a low-priced house with a garage that I could use as an art studio. In 2010 some people were telling me you are crazy for buying a house down here during the crash. Everyone was selling for whatever they could get. So, I didn’t listen to the nay sayers and I bought a house in Miami-Dade. I thought why pay so much more to live in Brooklyn in the freezing cold? “
Chris’s style definitely fits Miami’s vibe. Colorful, vibrant and full of pop. His unique contemporary style is now recognized around the world. His signature style combining cubism, abstract, surrealism, minimalism, pop and street art has gained him notoriety and acclaim in a number of exhibits and private collections in over 50 countries. Pieces like Barbie Dolls, Love Hearts and Love are some of the best and most recognizable examples of this iconic style. The theme of Love and Peace are used widely throughout many of his works. His sculptures and paintings function as a political vehicle, using domestic materials charged with significance and suffused with meaning accumulated over years of use in everyday life. His abstract canvas and sculptures deal with energy of personal fears, hopes, political fighting, sexual relationships, solitude, cartoons from the past, fun street time, death, happiness, dreams, and city memory. So what’s next for Chris Riggs? “I’m always working on new art when I have the time. But for the past few years I’ve been very busy most days working on commissions for new and old clients. I enjoy traveling so whenever I get a little bit of time I go travel and paint murals. I have walls waiting for me all around the world, so summer time is when I try and do that because I can’t stand the cold. My next exhibition will be in October in London UK {2018}. “ So, there you have it. Chris Riggs, everyone! A little of the past, a little of the present and a little of the future. If you’d like to know more about Chris Riggs and his works, make sure you visit him at www.riggsgallery.com. There you can find his latest works, up and coming exhibits and all his social media hangouts. With that said, we leave you with one of Chris’ coolest quotes from our interview… “Peace and Love is the only solution" – Chris Riggs.