Artist: Gustavo Novoa

Gustavo Novoa, born in 1941 in Santiago, Chile, initially pursued a law career before discovering his passion for art. In the early 1960s, he began selling watercolors and crayon works on the streets of Paris. His first solo exhibition was held in 1961, sponsored by the Chilean Ambassador, followed by another in Switzerland, which garnered the support of Queen Victoria Eugenia of Spain.

Relocating to New York, Novoa embraced the American dream and saw his artistic style evolve to include textured oils. Critic Stuart Preston noted his quest to capture the unique identity of his landscapes and still-lifes. By the late sixties, Novoa’s signature theme became portrayals of a dream-like jungle, where various animals coexist in harmony.

In the early 1970s, he became exclusively represented by Wally Findlay Galleries. His one-man shows in significant cities established him as an advocate for wildlife conservation. In 1977, he published "Jungle Fables," a collection of anthropomorphic animal tales that added a philosophical dimension to his work.

Exploring new narratives, Novoa's 1971 exhibition, "The Grand Tour," showcased animals roaming iconic global landmarks. After a visit to Arizona and New Mexico in 1986, he returned to his palette knife technique, capturing the haunting beauty of the American Southwest, which he dubbed his adobe period. His artistic journey continued with Deco architecture paintings and commissions for various events.

In 1991, Novoa was honored at the White House by Mrs. George Bush, and his work was featured prominently in Miami's Art Deco District. Years later, he was celebrated at the Latin American Biennale exhibition in El Salvador and received accolades as “The Painter of a Lost Paradise.” His retrospective book, "Paradise Found," was published in 1997, marking another significant milestone in his career, alongside a series of exhibitions and book signings showcasing his enduring legacy.