Robinson Galarza, the Young Muralist Behind Puerto Rico's New Dawn

isabellariv
Jul 30, 2019
4 min read

Updated: Jul 31, 2019

His murals and paintings aim towards one thing: Hope for Puerto Rico, a new era and mindset after María and #RickyRenuncia.

Name: Robinson Galarza Vélez

Nationality: Puerto Rican

Occupation: Student, Artist, Painter

Medium: Murals and Canvas

Style: Realism

About Rob Galar

Rob was devoted to his paint brush from a very young age, although not remembering exactly when, little did he know at that time that he was to become a thriving muralist by the time he was in his 20s. Rob is a cool and "chill" guy that is very pleasant to work with and easy to talk to. He currently works at MUSA (Museum of Art at RUM) where Auténtix found him and his incredible work worthy of a story to share with you.

He has not only created more than 30 public murals and commissioned work around Puerto Rico but he was also one of the collaborators with artist Hector PR for the incredible project #78PueblosY1Bandera with flag #55 in honor of the Puerto Rican spirit. This grand project got the attention of Puerto Ricans all over the island and "la diáspora", it was considered a local success. Murals and paintings from abandoned to touristic structures in every single town of Puerto Rico were created with the islands flag as a way to motivate and bring hope to others in spite of the hurricane that had just destroyed these islanders home.

The UPRM (University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez) art student started our interview by describing himself as a calm and joyful guy that plans to embody a life full of faith and hope, and as an artists, bring these attributes into his art and to the world. He reveals with Auténtix how each developing phase of his life, no matter how challenging, the "arts" were always there for him. So much so, that later came to manifest himself the only way he could, expressing himself with his artistic talent.

"I feel that I am a person that dedicates 85% of my life to the arts and fuses all my personal attributes along with it; the everyday life and spirit of me without wavering apart in disparity."

"Robby Arts"

Inspired by the Caribbean colors that strike each sunset and dawn, Galar captivates the celestial tropical sky's ever-shifting palette into his murals. The technique he experimented before has unfolded and transcended something of his own style now. Unmistakably, Galar connects rooted messages of his island's culture and people in presenting rather colorful and scenic visuals in public spaces. One of his goals with his murals is to also depict Puerto Ricans as the hard working, happy beings that they are by demonstrating historical symbols as reminders of such.

Photos of his work below show evidence which sets him uniquely distinct from other contemporary and former muralist of Puerto Rico. The young painter proclaims his art as a form of modern, realist, radiant, whilst rich in color mirroring the tropics, a passion for life, happiness and promise. You may also know Rob from other former work #Yaucromatic 1 & 2, project "A Todo Color" in Guayanilla, #PintaltoEnAguadilla Cerro Cabrera, Aguadilla, and many more around multiple Puerto Rican towns.

Click the arrow (right side) to slide and view more photos of Rob Galar's Art

"My work and the love I have for Art is something that has led me to find and follow one objective; expose my philosophy in life through my murals and paintings in a very public way. Bring to life tomorrow's truths behind a new day, its inherited hope and new opportunities that lie with moving forward in life."

Hurricane María

"After the Category 5 hurricane we all went through, I had to put great effort to find goodness, hope, and over time myself again above everything else that had happened." Galarza then continues to disclose how it wasn't easy getting his inspiration bacl but the hurricane itself did not really affect him physically, the aftermath was a different experience. As many others may agree, it was the emotional and spiritual toll that was the challenging part for Rob and most Puerto Ricans.

Almost two years after the natural disaster, Rob Galar currently has optimistic plans with his art in restoring some hope from it all. He likes to emphasize and have his work translate the sentiment and universal message of "Echar Pa' Lante", to encourage and influence others to keep moving forward no matter what.

Message to his Fans

Today, Robinson works by private commissions and special requests all over Puerto Rico. The cheerful and grateful emerging artist thanks his array of fans and admirers that have supported his career from the very beginning. "Without them this gift of mine, the murals and my art would have never reached what it is now; embracing a vast majority of Puerto Rico's streets and corners. All around."

Next with @Rob.Galar Art & more !

The artist is looking forward to continue his art in Puerto Rico but eventually travel the world and share his art at a global scale, make Rob Galar Art international. Currently he is focusing on new projects for the remaining of the summer and more to come along 2019-2020. One exciting artwork Rob was enthusiastic to mention was the #Pintalto project in Manatí, PR which he completed this month of July and #PaLosBarrios at Centro De San Francisco, Barrio Tamarindo, Ponce (Both shown below).