About Miguel Paredes
Paredes, a New York native, is an Urban Realist who combines cutting-edge techniques of street art, pop art and Japanese animation to create his own explosive style evident in every unique series of trend-forward art collections he creates. Drawing much of his inspiration from pop icons such as his own mentor Ronnie Cutrone, Andy Warhol’s immediate assistant at The Factory during the notorious pop artist’s most productive and prestigious years, Warhol himself and Keith Haring. His combination of street graffiti, landscape and pop art have propelled his crossover from street walls, during his days as a student at the prestigious Fiorello LaGuardia High School of Music and Art in the ’80s, to becoming a highly regarded creator of fine decorative art, prized by collectors from Los Angeles to Seoul. Paredes, now based in Miami has become one of the most prosperous and influential artists on both a local and international scale. Paredes’ art has been gaining in popularity amongst tastemaker, socialites and celebrity collectors including icons such as Lance Bass, Kenan Thompson, Elton John and Justin Bieber to name a few.
Paredes opened his gallery “Miguel Paredes Fine Art Gallery” from 2011-2018 in the heart of Wynwood Arts District inviting guests to experience complex immersive pieces and literally be a part of the work.
On March 2, 2011 Paredes, made local history as the first person to ever receive two simultaneous proclamations marking the date as Miguel Paredes Day. The first from the City of Miami Beach and second from the Village of Pinecrest honoring his artistic donation to the Miami Design Preservation League’s Art Deco Welcome Center and support of historic preservation, devotion to the city and positive impact on the community. In an effort to continue his commitment to the community and dedication to charitable public art work, Paredes was joined by Mayor Cindy Lerner to unveil two separate charitable art projects at Pinecrest Elementary in October 2011: an expansive, permanent 24-foot, tile mosaic and a custom-painted dog sculpture, which is part of the Smarty Dog for Smart Schools program, commissioned to raise money for electronic “Smart Boards” to be installed in classrooms.
Miguel Paredes was named the official artist of the 12th Annual Latin GRAMMY® Awards which took place in 2011. The Latin Recording Academy® announced at the official Nominee Press Conference that Paredes had received the highly acclaimed honor of being the commissioned artist to create the artwork for the VIP event invitation, commemorative show tickets, collectible poster and official program book for the industry’s pinnacle recognition of Latin music.
As a judge in the 2011 BOMBAY SAPPHIRE® Artisan Series, Paredes supported the efforts of BOMBAY SAPPHIRE ®, Russell & Danny Simmons’ Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation and Complex Media to launch a nationwide search to identify the finest undiscovered talent in the field of visual arts. South Florida’s regional competition was held at his gallery during a semi finals event on October 22, 2011, the finale event taking place during Art Basel 2011 co-hosted by Russell Simmons.
Paredes also signed with ACME Archives to create custom artwork for Disney Underground, which celebrates the interpretations of a new generation of visual artists stemming from the urban underground pop art movement. Chris Jackson, Acme’s Director of Creative Affairs and Product Development notes, “Miguel’s inspired take on the urban-pop movement makes him a perfect fit for Acme’s Disney Underground line.” Paredes’ Disney work is showcased among the top tier of Acme’s licensed art in galleries worldwide including the new Acme Gallery at FAO Schwartz Fifth Ave in New York.
Paredes is well known for his iconic, Japanese anime-inspired digital series Pulgha™ & Birds. In this delightful collection, Pulgha™ , a magical flea, and her friends, the spirited Birds Yori & Kosue, join forces for good. The William Morris Endeavor Agency signed on to represent the Pulgha™ collection to develop a branded cartoon series as well as other licensing opportunities for Paredes’ designs and products.
In 2012-2013 Paredes traveled in California doing solo & group shows at top galleries in the west such as “Known Gallery” with Ronnie Cutrone & Kyle William Harper. In 2013 Paredes signed with Mercedes SMART CAR to release custom made Mercedes Vehicles. As well as producing a solo show at the Coral Gables Museum in November of that year.
In 2014 Paredes joined forces with Astrella Celeste, Astrellainc.com and Capitol Records and become the Art Director for Miami Inks Ruthless & Toothless. During this time Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee Donovan passed down his iconic collection of music legend images and album art to his fashion designer daughter, Astrella, who launched a line of t-shirts featuring Queen, The Who, Cyndi Lauper and many more. Astrella partnered with artist Miguel Paredes to create the collection of musical tees and their own exclusive line of clothing.
Paredes was commissioned to create several Murals in 2016 for STK South Beach, Baptist Children’s Hospital and Miami Dade College to name a few as well as many private homes.
In 2017 Paredes had a solo show in Cannes, France during the Cannes Film Festival at Francl Art Gallery then headed off to Paris for several exhibitions. During Art Basel Miami 2017 Paredes had several shows including: a fashion show & live painting at the famous Loews Hotel in South Beach, SCOPE Art Fair and another solo exhibition at Lululaboratorium Gallery in Wynwood. Paredes splashed into Miami Swim Week 2017 hitting the runway with designer Hale Bob’s one-of-a-kind resort wear collection designed with prints inspired from Paredes’ works.
In 2017 Paredes began is partnership with FUN WINE and is currently positioned as their Chief Creative Director winning the company multiple awards for design and best packaging aiding in its current valuation of $90,000,000 with plans for a Regulation A+ public offering next month.
Paredes’ collaboration with InList began in 2018 curating an annual Kickoff Event for Art Basel Miami. The event hosts more than 5,000 VIP’s, socialites and celebrities from across the globe in celebration of the arts and heralded as one of Miami’s best events.
Most recently Paredes has produced works in the emerging NFT space launching a 30 year in the making concept called “The Wheelies” an animated sitcom parodying American pop culture, politics and the human condition with 7,777 collectible NFT characters. Along with other collections “Pulgha Genesis”, “Life In Color Daisy Series” and a collaboration with Artist Eddie Gangland “You’re In My Brain.”