Artist Bio: Nelson Host Santiago, a New York City native, deeply rooted in his Puerto Rican heritage, was born in Spanish Harlem and raised in the Bronx.
Nelson discerned his innate artistic talent at the tender age of four when one of his uncles introduced him to a series of comic books. It was love at first sight! Influenced by colorful images depicting various superheroes, he began drawing, sketching, and painting, producing his earliest works without any formal training. Shortly thereafter, Nelson became captivated by urban hip-hop culture and immersed himself in the world of graffiti. It was at this time that “Host One” emerged unto the cityscape. Throughout the following decade, Nelson, aka Host One, actively engaged in Wild Style pieces as well as a street bombing on a myriad of metropolitan “canvases”.
After a lengthy hiatus, during which time he focused solely on his family, Nelson reappeared on the art scene. He embraced Live Art Performance as a new form of collective artistic expression. Nelson has since graced many a venue. Participated in various gallery shows and live painting events in New York City, New Jersey, Boston, Florida, Los Angeles, and Puerto Rico, Nelson is also an active member of Escape Artist Collective and PRIDA.
In addition to his artistic engagements, Nelson revels in the process of encouraging art enthusiasts; he provides tools and demonstrates techniques thereby empowering them to explore diverse creative outlets and uncover their own inherent capabilities. In light of his passion and willingness to share his artistic skills, Nelson has been invited as a guest artist by Montefiore Medical Hospital in the Bronx to lead an art therapy workshop for young cancer patients. His most recent work has been with the Artists Creative Theater, teaching art classes to youth in Brooklyn.
Nelson welcomes every opportunity to be an integral part of the effort to serve the community. Nelson's artwork focuses on socioeconomic, political, and domestic violence within marginalized communities and the island of Puerto Rico.
https://www.nelsonhostsantiago.com/
Also check out this article about Santiago's previous exhibit at the NYPL.
Installation Sneak Peak
Artist Statement: In the era of the Bronx burning and the crack epidemic for my family and I survival was a priority. Art was the only thing that ever made sense. Art became an escape when food was short or when it was difficult to see the light at the end of the tunnel. The energy that comes out of my artwork is all the unexpressed love I couldn't tell my ancestors. It's also for my people and for me. It's my therapy. Art is a gift God gave to me so who am I to waste it.
Showcase Tours & Events
Exhibit Opening- Friday, September 6, 2024 | 5-6pm
Exhibit Closing- Friday, October 25, 2024 | 5-6pm