Justin Bua

Justin Bua

Bua (unknown date)
Born 1968 (age 46–47)
Education Art Center College of Design
Known for Figure drawing, graffiti and illustration
Website
justinbua.com

Justin Bua (born 1968) is an American artist from New York City's Upper West Side, raised alternately in Upper West Side, Manhattan and East Flatbush, Brooklyn. He lives in the Echo Park district of Los Angeles. He is a vegan and healthy eating advocate with a line of high-end chocolate bars called "Bua Bars."[1]

Early life, education and career

Bua was fascinated by the raw, visceral street life of the city. He attended Manhattan's Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music and Performing Arts and complemented his education on the streets by writing graffiti and performing worldwide with breakdancing crews. Bua went on to the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, California, where he earned a B.F.A in illustration. His work is also heavily influenced by Ernie Barnes, the former NFL player and creator of the "Sugar Shack" painting featured in the opening credits of the television sitcom Good Times (1974–1979) and Marvin Gaye's album I Want You (1976). The style is recognized for elongated limbs that represent rhythmic movement.

Starting in the world of commercial art, Bua designed and illustrated myriad projects from skateboards and CD covers to advertising campaigns. He developed the look and feel of the opening sequence for MTV's sketch-comedy television series The Lyricist Lounge Show (2000–2001), EA Sports video games NBA Street (2001) and NFL Street (2004), and the world of Slum Village's award-winning music video Tainted among others. He designed the Bua line of apparel and a limited-edition shoe line with PF Flyers that sold out completely.

He teaches figure drawing at the University of Southern California, while continuing to be a leading innovator in both the fine and commercial art worlds. Bua's energetic and vocal worldwide fan base ranges from former presidents, actors, musicians, professional athletes, and dancers, to street kids and art connoisseurs.

In July, 2013 he launched the Online Art School with Justin BUA and in 2015 he developed and hosted Oxygen Channel's "Street Art Throw Down" with guest judges including legendary graffiti artists Lady Pink from New York and Mear One from Los Angeles.

Book

Justin BUA’s artwork portrays the beauty and struggle of life. All of his art was compiled together into one book, The Beat of Urban Art 2007.[2]

Bibliography

See also

References

  1. ↑ http://www.thebuabar.com
  2. ↑ Chideya,Farai, "Justin Bua Chronicles 'Beat Of Urban Art", NPR Books,September 19, 2008

External links