Puerto Rico and Its Diaspora Shine at Art Basel Through the Artistic Vision of Juan Salgado and Devon Rodriguez 

Puerto Rico and Its Diaspora Shine at Art Basel Through the Artistic Vision of Juan Salgado and Devon Rodriguez 
Credit: Discover Puerto Rico

At Art Basel this year, Puerto Rico’s presence resonated through the work of two Latino artists whose pieces offer a reflection on identity, heritage, and the Puerto Rican experience in the United States. Juan Salgado, a tattoo and multimedia artist, created a mural that was one of the first to appear at the event. The mural was a tribute to the Puerto Ricans living in the diaspora, capturing the unity of this beautiful community. Salgado is known for his skill in both color and black-and-grey work, often exploring mystical figures and spiritual imagery, and his visionary style has earned him over 150 international tattoo awards. 

Puerto Rico and Its Diaspora Shine at Art Basel Through the Artistic Vision of Juan Salgado and Devon Rodriguez 
Credit: Discover Puerto Rico

At the same time, Devon Rodriguez, a Puerto Rican/Honduran artist from the South Bronx, was also part of the event, creating a portrait of Salgado during Art Basel. Rodriguez first gained recognition for his hyper-realistic portraits of commuters on the New York City subway, and his online following has grown to over 62 million, with his live drawing sessions offering a new way to engage with his subjects. Both artists, through their work, provide an intimate look into their cultural roots while adding their own voices to the larger conversation surrounding Puerto Rican identity. 

BELatina News had the pleasure to speak with each of the artists at Art Basel. Here’s what they had to say:

Devon Rodriguez Paints Juan Salgado and Shares His Journey at Art Basel

Devon Rodriguez’s path to becoming an artist is rooted in his upbringing in the South Bronx, in a predominantly Puerto Rican neighborhood. He recalls that art chose him rather than the other way around, noting that his passion for drawing started at a very young age. “It’s the only thing I like to do,” Rodriguez tells BELatina News, adding that even now, he can hardly believe that he gets paid for something so enjoyable. While he initially experimented with graffiti as a teenager, a brush with the law at 14 prompted him to shift his focus to portraiture, leaving graffiti behind for a more constructive artistic outlet. This turning point, he says, was influenced by an art teacher who encouraged him to explore the medium of portraits. 

Rodriguez’s breakthrough moment came in 2020 when, during the pandemic, he posted a video on TikTok of himself drawing a commuter on the subway — a practice he had learned years earlier from the same teacher who had initially believed in his art. The video went viral, garnering millions of views and hundreds of thousands of followers. That success catapulted him into the spotlight, and within a month, he had amassed over a million followers. His rise to fame also brought sponsorships, enabling him to pursue his passion full-time. In the years since, Rodriguez has used his platform to share his work and to connect with audiences, particularly through live drawing sessions that offer an interactive and engaging experience. 

Through his participation in Art Basel, Rodriguez has come full circle, returning to his Puerto Rican roots. The event marked an important milestone for him as it provided an opportunity to contribute to the celebration of Puerto Rican culture in a space that often highlights global art movements. “I was honored to paint Juan Salgado,” Rodriguez shares, expressing his admiration for Salgado’s work and his role as a Puerto Rican icon in the tattoo world. The mural he created during Art Basel, a tribute to Salgado’s mural, reflected both artists’ shared cultural heritage and the ways in which their art connects with their community. 

Reflecting on the advice he would offer aspiring artists, Rodriguez emphasizes the importance of perseverance and finding a unique voice. He recalls how his family, especially his supportive grandmother, encouraged him to pursue his art despite the traditional expectation that he should seek a more conventional career. His message to others in the Latino community and beyond is to “never quit” and to continue pursuing what they love, even when the path seems uncertain. 

For Rodriguez, Art Basel is both a personal and professional achievement. He views it as a way to bridge his past and present, connecting with his Puerto Rican roots while sharing his journey with a broader audience. “It felt like amazing to connect to my roots,” he says of his time in Puerto Rico creating watercolor paintings and learning more about his heritage.  

From Wisin y Yandel to Daddy Yankee, Salgado Is the Essence of Puerto Rico and It Is Always Translated in His Beautiful Art

Juan Salgado’s journey also reflects a deep connection to Puerto Rico, beginning at an early age. “I started in art around six or seven years old in my first art classes at the Liga del Arte in San Juan, and from there, I continued,” he explains. Salgado’s education extended through various schools, including the Escuela Central de Artes Visuales and the Universidad del Sagrado Corazón, both in Puerto Rico. He later studied at the Escuela de Artes Plásticas in San Juan and Atlantic University. Salgado began as a painter but found his passion for tattooing in his 20s, seeing tattoos as an extension of his artistic expression. “I saw the needles as brushes and the skin as the canvas,” he recalls, transforming the way tattoos were perceived. 

Puerto Rico and Its Diaspora Shine at Art Basel Through the Artistic Vision of Juan Salgado and Devon Rodriguez 
Credit: Discover Puerto Rico

With his distinctive approach, Salgado’s career as a tattoo artist grew internationally. He now holds over 200 international titles, and his work has garnered attention from many celebrities, including Wisin y Yandel, Daddy Yankee, Ricky Martin, Ozuna, and many more. Despite his success in tattooing, Salgado never abandoned painting. Over time, muralism became another medium he explored, and he found balance by combining all three art forms into his practice. “I’ve always maintained a balance between these three disciplines— painting, murals, and tattooing,” he says. “It’s a life that keeps me energized.” 

The mural Salgado created for Art Basel is his tribute to Puerto Rico. What’s even better is that he gets to use the skills he acquired at home, to bring his home to a global stage.  

He worked closely with Discover Puerto Rico to create a piece that would resonate with people who feel a connection to the island. “It was a homage to Puerto Rico and the things I miss when I am away,” he says. “The woman in the mural represents Puerto Rico. If Puerto Rico were a woman, she would be like that — beautiful.” 

Salgado’s work, even in Miami, remains deeply connected to the island. “I don’t need to look for inspiration when it comes to Puerto Rico — it’s already within me,” he says. “Puerto Rico is the best place in the world, and I want people to know that.” His artistic practice is also intertwined with the music of Puerto Rico. He enjoys listening to salsa, bomba, plena, and other traditional sounds while he works. 

Salgado also shares advice for aspiring artists, particularly in the Latino community. “We all have the potential to reach where we want to go,” he shares. “If it’s really a goal or dream, go for it.” He emphasizes the importance of passion, noting that an artist’s career continues as long as they are alive and healthy. “The journey can be tough, but it’s worth it,” Salgado reflects. He also encourages young artists to seek education in the arts, which can offer both practical knowledge and personal growth. “Education is key,” he asserts, stating that a well-rounded education in art allows artists to continue evolving. 

Support Latino Artists

Juan Salgado and Devon Rodriguez, through their work and their stories, embody la belleza of Puerto Rican identity and culture. For these artists, the intersection of tradition, modernity, and identity is what drives their work —and through it, they continue to inspire others to embrace their own cultural roots. If you’re in Miami, you can enjoy the beauty of this Puerto Rican mural.  

You can support Juan Salgado by following him on Instagram and Facebook. Devon Rodriguez shared that he will be releasing some prints, just in time for the holidays, that can be purchased on keepsmiling.co. He also has an Instagram and TikTok account. 

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