Sports mania meets small island life on Puerto Rican artist Joshua Nazario’s canvas

Puerto Rican artist Joushua Nazario’s creative practice started out with collages he would construct from skateboard magazines, which, taking a closer look at the paintings and sculptures that are shaping his portfolio now, isn’t a surprise to hear. These constructivist, cut and paste beginnings aren’t just visible in his continued exploration of sports as the subject of his work, but this collage-like approach is apparent in even the smaller visual decisions the artist makes when painting – like the parts of his canvases that he leaves exposed, or the gaps he leaves in between his thick, rough brushstrokes. Elements come together to create a larger whole both on and beyond the flat surface: “My paintings can be described as sculptural in nature, emphasising physical presence, weight and materiality” Joshua says.

Joshua’s sculptures use a mishmash of basic building materials like wood and cement and household items to construct objects like racing cars, sports paraphernalia and symbols of luxury just like you would make an image with collage clippings. The artist likes to contrast his flashy subject matter with the humble construction of “everyday objects that reflect life on the Island”, he says. Bringing his world view into focus the artist’s work reflects on his upbringing in Puerto Rico and plays with the nostalgia of childhood with cartoons, toys, cards and sports jerseys. These miniatures, such as his model of Bad Bunny’s recent half time performance at the Super Bowl or the artists tiny (but speedy) racing cars, are filled with a naivety and nostalgia that comes with the memory of things we used to collect or make as kids.

“Puerto Rico is the utmost creative influence for me – the people, culture, traditions, iconography, scenery, sports and identity form an endless source of inspiration within my work,” the artist says. Surrounded by a culture of competition and sport growing up as well as Puerto Rico’s passion for representing itself on an international level, these influences have stuck with Joshua and continue to shape his distinct style as he carries out artist residencies at Art for Change, and more recently Bed-Stuy Art. The artist has also just opened his first US solo show Allá Afera, at Luis De Jesús in LA, which will be running until 11 April 2026.