By Vincent Rives / Staff Writer
Juan Neira has given in to the chaos, but he’s not complaining.
The junior art and art history double major says he was compelled by a greek goddess who shared Neira’s interpretation in seeking to control the uncontrollable. His art — mostly sculptures, film photography and abstract paintings — is modern-day adaptation of what Eris, the goddess of discord and chaos, represents.
“What happens with this goddess is that she can control everything because she was able to control nothing,” Neira said. “Chaos is this brand that we don’t understand, so we don’t accept. But, by her being able to accept it, she was able to control chaos.”
On Oct 2, Neira showcased his refined depiction of life’s turmoils.
He celebrated the opening of his exhibition at the Alberto Linero gallery, located in the heart of Wynwood. The gallery was filled with family, friends and his peers from WRGP Radiate FM.
Neira, the traffic and training director of the University’s student radio station, is also host of a Wednesday folk, lo-fi radio show called “Meet Us in Montauk,” a reference to the cult classic film “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind.”
“Eris,” the title of his exhibition, was Neira’s first professional art installation.
Neira says the University has aided his growth in art— both through its symbolism and actual craft. As an art history major, Neira was able to delve deep into Greek Mythology.
“I read a lot,” Neira said. “Mythology is a straight depiction of what is humanity. Humanity was transformed to tales so that people could refer to them and help each other to pretty much set up values and norms in their society. The thing about Eris is that [she] and my artwork are a straight reflection of society.”
“That’s how art works. Good art is a direct reflection of society.”
Neira says he doesn’t limit himself to just one specific medium for his art. He uses film photography, sculpture and abstract painting to utilize his creativity.
Becoming a full-time artist wasn’t always the plan. After graduating from Felix Varela High School, his first major at FIU was business. He admits he, like most individuals, thought that this was the only way to become successful after college.
Neira has thus taken a different approach on how to achieve success.
“What makes a successful artist is someone that really works hard, as simple as that seems,” he says. “I’m sure you’ve heard, ‘I wanted to be an artist when I was young, but when I grew up I realized I had to get a real job.’ These people didn’t realize that they needed a real job, what they realized is that being an artist is in fact a very tough job. You have to sacrifice yourself to your art.”
“So many people tell me, ‘Hey, I was trying, but things weren’t really happening with it, so I stopped.’ I haven’t stopped. I had to sacrifice a lot of my free time, my relationships, my friends, my money— everything goes to my art, and that’s what, I guess, makes someone successful, how they’re willing to sacrifice themselves for something more important.”
Neira’s work will be on display until Tuesday Oct 21.
Neiraj.com