jamesSEXERrodriguez

JAMES “SEXER” RODRIGUEZ, was born in Caguas, Puerto Rico. He was raised in the South Bronx, from the age of 3. James began his interests in art at the age of 6; popular cartoons were his first attempt at the arts. As his drawing abilities became evident, his grandfather persuaded him to paint and his devotion to art grew steadily. By the age of 10, his artwork was on display at the old Gimbels Department store in New York City. The following year he illustrated a childen’s book “In The Money Hunt”. Growing up in the ghettos of the Bronx as an impoverished youngster, artistic opportunities weren’t readily available. But his grandfather pushed his talents. Pursuing his dreams to become a professional artist, he attended the High School of Art & Design in New York City where he studied Commercial Art. Many of his fellow students were his first influences likes of Erni “Paze” Vales, Pink, Daze and Doze Green among others. Although studying art in high school, his teenage years also included the underground activities as a graffiti artist on the streets and subways of New York City. Without a viable outlet for his creativity, James resorted to graffiti as other artists from the inner cities did. His popularity reached considerable heights. He displayed some works, but his continuous canvas were the trains and streets of the big city where his signature footsteps became as common as the ground he displayed them on. Avoiding the law, was also common, but a part of the challenge to get his tag name and art proliferated. Without a doubt, graffiti influenced and inspired his artistic future. James’ wartime murals during Desert Storm and the Gulf War supporting our troops achieved him lots of popularity. His last “Support Our Troops” mural went up in front of the once standing World Trade Center at the Marriott Marquis. His artwork was later licensed for reproduction on wearable apparel to support the troops, “Wear a Yellow Ribbon” campaign. Opting to leave school for a career advancement, James became an Art Director at the age of 22 for a successful advertising and sales promotion agency. After 10 years he has ventured into commercial design for many years. His love for art can be appreciated in his urban art flavor which throughout the years have transcended from trains and murals, to canvases. He has achieved success through the merchandising of his designs on a variety of wearable’s and other merchandise including items sold at Foot Lockers and Dr. Jay’s among other stores. He later continued education at F.I.T. and Parsons. James currently has done design work for brands such as Perrier, Beefeater Gin, Alizé, Chipwich, Millay Colony for The Arts, RuPaul, Evyan Perfumes, Cointreau Liqueur, Taittinger Champagne, Doubletree by Hilton, Triple-S Life Insurance, Best Western Hotels, among others. James SEXER Rodriguez’s ability to combine life experiences through realistic rendition and graffiti allows for his maximum expression. Many of his works have been displayed in shows and galleries in New York City, the Caribbean and Amsterdam. He continues to exhibit his recent works throughout.