Jairo Sosa
Bio: Jairo Sosa is a multidisciplinary artist based in New York. He studied at the School of Visual Arts. He went on to complete his Bachelor’s of Fine Arts at The Cooper Union for the Advancement for Science and Art in 2017 with a study abroad at the Universitat de Barcelona Escuela de Bellas Artes. He is currently working towards completing his Master’s in Fine Arts at Columbia University. His work has been reviewed in publications like the Brooklyn Rail and exhibited with Kates- Ferri Projects, At Peace Gallery, Mana Contemporary, and The Cooper Union.
https://www.jairomsosa.com/
Instagram: @jairo_sosa_
Thesis Exhibition
Artist Statement: In his work, Jairo engages elements of popular culture to form unique contemporary social mythologies. In sculptures, paintings, hand papermaking, printmaking, ceramics, and mixed media installations he incorporates found materials alongside traditional mediums to illuminate the relationship between place and culture. Tackling issues of class systems and race, his work creates a visual vocabulary heavily influenced by sports culture, and more specifically basketball, conveying stories of both hope and tragedy.
L to R: Hold fast to dreams, For if dreams die Life Is a broken-winged bird, That cannot fly (Glazed porcelain, stoneware, and variegated metal leaf, 2023); At The Time It Never Bothered Me (Gesso, plaster, hydrocal, aluminum leaf, genuine silver leaf, variegated metal leaf, poliester, vinyl, and wax on linen, 2023); Hoop Dreams Deflate (Glazed porcelain, stone, and glass, 2023); Dreams (Glazed ceramic, variegated metal leaf, brass, text: “Random Family,” Adrian Nicole, LeBlanc; “Down These Mean Streets,” Piri Thomas; “Boy Without a Flag,” Abraham, Rodriguez; “We the Animals,” Justin Torres; “Drown,” Junot Diaz; “Capital Punishment,” Big Punisher 2023); Valor (Genuine gold leaf, aluminum, found object, 2023)
First Year Exhibition
Paradise In reach (60" x 48" x 48", Copper leaf, oil, acrylic, and cardboard, 2022)
