BIOGRAPHY

Reginald Rousseau, aka Big Art, is a contemporary Afro-America-Caribbean folkloric artist, influenced by his African roots, Haitian heritage and Harlem upbringing. Through his practice, he expertly blended African textiles, Haitian Naive Art, Art Nouveau, Gothic Stained Glass and Modern Abstraction elements in his bold and innovative figurative-abstract paintings, digital collage pieces, mixed-media creations and installations. In his most recent works,  which he affectionately coined “Tropical Aesthetics” he adorns his compositions with bold, colorful botanical motifs and symbols that present the illusion of divine and mythical narratives. Through his vibrant & colorful palettes, expressive lines, layered textures and intricate patterns, Rousseau delves into themes of identity politics, representational rights, ancestral knowledge, spirituality and environmental connectivity. Beyond creating captivating art, he has also wears the hats of a curator and gallery owner of the Underground Gallery + Studio in Harlem, NY (2018 to 2023). During this period, has organized & curated a number of solo and group exhibitions, open studio events, art workshops, etc..

 

Most recently, Rousseau's work has received some acclaim, with accolades such as being named a Semi-Finalist for the esteemed “2023 Painted in New York” juried competition & new artists search by Park West Gallery, NY and securing a prestigious residency as the “2022 ARTWorks Resident Fellow” at the Jamaica Center for Art and Learning. Today, his works are being sought after by both seasoned collectors and newcomers alike, for their compelling narratives, innovative designs and cultural relevance works.

 

With an uncompromising entrepreneurial spirit, Rousseau looks to the future with the aim of expanding the reach of his art, viewing it as a catalyst for transformative change in society. With a commitment to sparking meaningful conversations and resonating on a universal level, he remains a beacon of passion, creativity, and determination in redefining the landscape of contemporary Afro-America-Caribbean folkloric art.