Nuke
Joseph "Nuke" Montalvo
Joseph M. Montalvo is a multi-talented and imaginative artist who seamlessly blends the worlds of graffiti, muralism, and design. With a passion for pushing the boundaries of traditional art forms, Nuke's work is a stunning fusion of vibrant colors, bold lines, and dreamlike themes that truly captivate the viewer. Whether through large-scale murals or smaller, intricately detailed pieces, Nuke's unique vision and unrelenting drive continue to inspire and amaze those who experience it.
As a young boy growing up in the Wyvernwood housing projects in Boyle Heights, he was inspired by the murals that surrounded him. The vibrant colors and bold designs sparked his imagination and ignited a passion for art within him. He spent countless hours at the local library, devouring books on every aspect of art, from Renaissance painters to Greek architecture and everything in between. Drawn to the power of visual storytelling, he felt a deep urge to create and share his own stories through art.
The 80's hip hop movement provided him with the tools needed to put his art to the test on the streets of Los Angeles. During this time, he honed his skills and developed a unique style, inspired by the places he went and the people he met. An illustrator at heart, he prefers to sketch out his ideas before committing them to canvas or a mural. His work is characterized by the use of vivid colors, dripping and splattered paint, and a playful, experimental approach to art.
Over the past 20 years, his art has been collected by a growing community of art enthusiasts who appreciate the storytelling elements in his work. Whether painting characters, environments, or landscapes, real or imaginary, he strives to create pieces that are immersive and transport the viewer to another world. His sculptures and installations are similarly inspired, blurring the lines between 2D and 3D and inviting the viewer to fully engage with the story being told.
In a world where art is often treated as a commodity, he believes in the power of creativity to connect people and tell important stories. It is this belief that drives him to tackle big projects, push the boundaries of his art, and continue to evolve and grow as an artist.
