Juan-Pablo “JP” Robles was born in Miami, Florida and is pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree with a specialization in Photo and New Media and a minor in Creative Writing. His interest in art and drawing began early in life. The software Procreate inspired him to pursue digital art as a career. Digital art has the flexibility to hit the undo button or erase layers, something you cannot do with painting and drawing. This allows JP to take risks in his creations that would not have been possible with traditional drawing, painting, or ceramics.

In SEMO-American Art, Robles combines architecture on SEMO’s campus with Mesoamerican influences. This juxtaposition reflects his connection to the Hispanic community through his Mexican heritage. This exhibition attempts to get viewers interested in learning more about Mesoamerican culture. Mesoamericans created beautiful and colorful buildings. Utilizing Procreate software, Robles drew designs inspired by Mesoamerican cultures and blended the motifs to make them seem as if they were painted murals. The images that blend Southeast Missouri State University and Mesoamerica together the most are those that include Rowdy the Redhawk as a Quetzalcoatl creature.

An opening reception SEMO-American Art will take place on Friday, May 2 from 5-7 p.m. in the Nest Gallery. The Nest Gallery is an intimate exhibition space reserved for students interested in solo or group exhibitions. It is located on the first floor of the Seminary Building.

All gallery exhibitions, events, and talks are free and open to the public. For more information, please contact Dr. Joni Hand at jhand@semo.edu or (573) 651-2720.