dialogue
Radames ‘Juni’ Figueroa | Artist
April 2025
6 min read
Radames 'Juni' Figueroa is a multifaceted artist whose vibrant work embodies the spirit of his native San Juan, Puerto Rico. His eclectic style blends cultural influences with humour and keen social observation, resonating deeply on both personal and societal levels. Through paintings and installations, Juni captures the essence of Puerto Rican life, from its lush tropical landscapes to its rich cultural tapestry, inviting viewers into a world where everyday moments intertwine with profound reflections on identity and environment.
In our dialogue, Juni delves into the intricate relationship between his art and his relationship with Puerto Rican existence. He discusses recent exhibitions, including his notable presence at Art Basel Miami and his collaboration with Proyectos Ultravioleta during CONDO 2025. These experiences provide a window into Juni's creative process, revealing the narratives that drive his distinctive visual storytelling. His art not only dazzles with vibrant colors and whimsical themes but also challenges viewers to reconsider political and cultural norms through a lens of humor and thoughtful introspection.
Juni's artistic journey unfolds against the backdrop of an island rich in history and culture, where each brushstroke becomes a testament to resilience and cultural pride. His playful approach to serious themes creates a dynamic dialogue, inviting audiences to explore the Puerto Rican identity and the ever-evolving landscape of contemporary art.
Hey Juni! Over lunch, you kindly invited us to visit San Juan, Puerto Rico, your birthplace. Thank you so much. We can't wait to visit you!
What can we expect when we get there?
“First, thank you for the quality time we spent in London. From my island you can expect a salad with a beach flavour, fresh water, land, seafood, a mix of salsa and reggaeton to give a good taste to the experience and finally a lot of wonderful people who will welcome you with love.”
How do you see the relationship between your art and the political complexities as well as the environmental issues of Puerto Rico?
“To be honest, I never think about politics when doing my job because for me living on such a complex island is already a political and revolutionary act. Here we deal with too many things in a small but intense space, moving here and surviving here is already a ceremony that goes beyond politics and all its complexities. My policy is to make art from an island for the world without having to leave despite all its limitations.”
How would you describe your approach to your solo booth at Art Basel Miami 2023 with the award-winning gallery, Proyectos Ultravioleta, knowing all eyes were on you at a global stage?
“I went without expectations, it was a complex process because I had never shown an exhibition where the focus was only on painting as a medium, always in my other projects I always included installations and more experimental projects but here I focused only on painting without expecting any result.
It was a difficult time for the world because of all the global conflict we were going through and it was hard to go to a commercial art fair thinking about the wars that were happening but at the same time art is a tool that can heal and bring joy.
The results were incredible with a sold-out and spectacular teamwork. Whenever I join Proyectos Ultravioleta and Stefan [Benchoam] the results bring so much good energy and people enjoy it.”
Proyectos Ultravioleta exhibited within CONDO 2025, hosted by The Sunday Painter gallery. You showcased a duo exhibition with the talented Akira Ikezoe.
What was your aim with the works you presented during this show?
“I wanted to offer a little piece of my island, works that looked relaxed and pleasant. For example, a coconut and a pineapple flirting and falling in love, a painting that includes rum to celebrate, which is one of my favourite rums (Ron Barrilito from PR) and a girl in a bikini under a palm tree, that's a normal day for me in Puerto Rico. A relaxed day.”
Your recent works feature large reptiles inspired by local figures in Puerto Rico. What drew you to this subject matter, and what narrative are you conveying through these paintings?
“Alligators (Caiman) are currently a plague, they are not a native animal. They began to arrive on the island in the 60s, by people who brought them from South America to sell them as pets and it got to the point where it got out of control and now they have no predator and they roam everywhere loose.
There are many stories behind these alligators, at some point the underworld (underground/Narcos) began to use them to make people disappear, something very dark but on the other hand now many people hunt them to eat them and use them as food. I can go on about this but I think that's enough. In my paintings I specifically put them in bars (taverns) playing pool and enjoying themselves, a metaphor that speaks of coexistence and how we have to adapt and live alongside danger.”
Humour seems to play a significant role in your work. How do you balance playful elements with deeper political or cultural commentary?
“I think that for me humour is an important factor, it's my fuel (gasoline/gas). That together with my lifestyle on an island mixed with a spark of spirituality creates a combination of elements that interest me and without realising it there is always a political commentary but without forcing it, it is something more metaphorical that is deep but all submerged like when you go to a beach, that is my work, a beach full of contradictions and pleasures.”
Special thanks to Proyectos Ultravioleta Gallery.
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