An Exploration of Tradition and Technology
In today’s rapidly evolving art world, few artists embody the fusion of traditional and digital mediums as seamlessly as Rita Flores. Utilizing the latest technological advancements, she explores the endless possibilities of artistic creation primarily through her iPad and a vector-based app, while also crafting mixed media pieces that build upon her digital work. With a foundation in kitschy pop imagery, and a recent foray into street art through wheatpaste and sticker art, Rita continues to challenge the limits of creative expression.
With educational roots in prestigious institutions such as Montclair University, the New York Studio School, and the School of Visual Arts, Rita has cultivated a multifaceted approach to art-making that merges classical training with modern technology. This integration of old and new is at the heart of her practice, which navigates the intersection of traditional techniques and digital innovation. Over the past two years, her street art has introduced another dynamic layer to her repertoire, allowing for an urban exploration of her pop culture influences.
Throughout her career, Rita has exhibited work in a variety of notable venues, including the National Liberty Museum in Philadelphia, the Autodesk Gallery in San Francisco, and digital art festivals like the LA Mobile Arts Festival. These exhibitions highlight not only her ability to adapt to diverse artistic environments but also her commitment to pushing the boundaries of visual expression. From whimsical narratives to macabre stories, her themes are both expansive and intimate, engaging with audiences in meaningful ways.
The essence of Rita’s work lies in the use of digital tools to transform artistic creation, as seen in her “iPad Paintings” series and contributions to projects like the Twitter Art Exhibit. Her fascination with technology as a medium has allowed her to create visual experiences that challenge conventional ideas of art-making, using mobile platforms as a canvas to offer fresh perspectives on contemporary artistic discourse.
Not limited to digital exploration, Rita uses her art as a vehicle for storytelling and cultural commentary. This can be seen in socially resonant exhibitions such as A Healing Touch: Digital Offerings of Peace to Women Survivors and Secrets and Stories, where her art extends beyond personal narrative to engage with broader social themes. These exhibitions underscore her belief in art’s potential as a powerful tool for personal and communal expression.
Her work has been featured in several prominent publications, including Portrait Revolution by Julia Kay and Mobile Digital Art by David Leibowitz, offering further validation of her expertise in blending digital technology with fine art. The publications celebrate her role in reshaping how digital platforms are perceived within the traditional art world.
Residencies, such as the Vermont Studio Program, have provided critical spaces for Rita to further develop her practice. These immersive experiences, coupled with recognition through journal publications, have deepened her understanding of art’s ability to resonate on a personal and global scale.
Artist Q&A with OA
When did you start as an artist? Where did you start out?
I began private art lessons at age 11, focusing on drawing with pastels and painting with oils from still life setups in a studio. Additionally, I was inspired by comic book art.
What inspired you the most to begin your journey as an artist?
During high school, I visited the Museum of Modern Art and was inspired by the historic Picasso Retrospective. This experience motivated me to pursue art studies at the School of Visual Arts, Montclair University, and the New York Studio School.
Who are some artists you work with or inspire you? I’m inspired by artists such as De Kooning, Matisse, Giacometti, Frida Kahlo, Andy Warhol, and more recently, Basquiat and Shepard Fairey
Would you say you have a specific style or theme, if so how would you describe that? My work draws on the kitschy, pop imagery from my youth, inspired by comic book art, 60s TV shows, and 80s music. Primarily figurative, my art reflects these influences. After college, I continued my studies at the New York Studio School, where I concentrated on drawing and painting the figure.
Where can people find your work?
RitaFloresArt on Instagram, www.RitaFlores.Wordpress.com and ‘RitaFloresArt’ on Etsy
What have been some of your most recent exhibitions or shows?
I recently showcased my artwork at the National Liberty Museum in Philadelphia and the Cannavita Dispensary in Queens. Additionally, my wheatpaste art is on display at Tattoo’d Mom in Philadelphia and throughout New York City.
What do you have coming up or that you are currently working on?
I continue to create using both digital tools and traditional mediums, such as acrylics and paint markers. My latest work draws inspiration from the street art movement.
Where can we follow you or stay in the loop with your updates?
I am most active on Instagram at @ritafloresart
As her career continues to evolve, Rita is committed to investigating the dynamic interplay between digital and traditional methods. By continually redefining the boundaries of her practice, she aims to create work that is both innovative and reflective, inviting viewers into a dialogue with the ever-shifting landscape of contemporary art.