Javi Suarez was born in Santurce, Puerto Rico and moved to Sarasota, Florida when he was 10. The son of an architect, Javi has always felt compelled to follow in his father’s footsteps, though art has been his first love. The diversity of his family’s background has inspired a variety of interests and ideas within him.
At the University of Florida, Javi’s architectural studies prepared him well for a future as an artist. It did so by teaching him to question everything, and to rely on his own ideas to produce quality work. What will make him a successful artist, though, is his innate passion.
Javi received a Master’s degree in Architecture from the University of California at Los Angeles in June of 1997. While searching for a thesis topic, his interest in improvisation inspired him to look beyond the historical precedents within architecture. Under the teachings of the world famous jazz guitarist Kenny Burrell, Javi focused his thesis work on jazz as a model for architecture. The ideas behind this thesis have influenced the process and concepts of his art.
Javi’s work has been shown at private studios and galleries. It is also displayed in several private and public collections.
EDUCATION:
University of California Los Angeles - Master of Architecture
University of Florida - Bachelor of Architectural Design
EXHIBITIONS:
Group Shows:
"Think Fast Exhibition"
Ball State University’s Architecture Gallery -Aug 20-Sept 20th 2015
“Salon De Verano” June 20th-August 14th 2000
Galeria Botello - San Juan, Puerto Rico
“Space 2000” September, 2000
Brandstater Gallery
“Where Stuff Tends To Collect” - Kudzu - August, 2000
Pomona, California
“Virtual Venice Art walk” - Kudzu - May 21, 2000
Venice, California
“Pool” March 4, 2000
S.M.A.C. in conjunction with Patricia Correia Gallery
Bergamot Station, Santa Monica, California
“Los Angeles National Juried Art Exhibition” February 15, 2000 - February 28, 2000
Ruth Bachofner Gallery - Bergamot Station, Santa Monica, California
“Simply Red” February 1, 2000 - February 28, 2000 Da Center for the Arts - Pomona, California
“1999 Los Angeles Juried Exhibition: Moving Towards The Millenium” July 21, 1999 - August 22, 1999 Los Angeles Municipal Art Gallery - Los Angeles, California
“Self Portraits” October 3, 1998 - October 30, 1998
Gallery 825 - Los Angeles, California
“Art From Many Cultures” October 6, 1998 - November 15, 1998
Articulture Gallery - Hermosa Beach, California
Features:
“Vista La”- KABC channel 7. September 12, 1999.
Collections:
Coleccion Reyes-Veray, Puerto Rico
Mr. Mihn Tran, Los Angeles, California
Mr. Kim and Jenifer Watson, Los Angeles, California
Mrs. Barbara Bestor, Los Angeles, California
Mr. Sinclair Jones, Los Angeles, California
Mr. Scott Walter, Los Angeles, California
Solo Shows:
Gallery 825 - Los Angeles, California “Straddling the “In-Between”
June 12, 1999 - July 9, 1999
REGISTRATION:
State of Florida Architectural License No. 93753
State of California Architectural License No. 30464
NCARB Registration No. 62378
PROFESSIONAL & CIVIC AFFILIATIONS:
The John and Mable Ringling Museum - Board of Directors
AIA Florida Gulf Coast Chapter - President
Sarasota Community Redevelopment Agency Advisory Board - Past Board Member
Leadership Florida Class XXVII
Leadership Sarasota Alumni
Dali Museum Regional Board - Past Board Member
Art Center Sarasota - Past Board Member
