Miami artist and designer, Jessy Nite, is as electric as her art. The spunky brunette's personality seamlessly fuses into her pastel and vibrant color palettes with vigor and tropical flavor just as a New York transplant embracing the 305's landscape would. Her candy-like and jewel geometric patterns are seen throughout her multimedia designs. Striking, simplistic and memorable.
The young artist specializes in custom lettering (Jessy also teaches typography at the Miami Ad School, in Wynwood), illustrations, site-specific installations and street art, work that has popped up in gallery spaces across South Florida. She's known to tackle naughty subject matter with such playful whimsy that when she references things like pornography and illicit party favors, a feeling of unapologetic rebellion yet sweet innocence delicately collide. At her Wynwood studio, she recently painted the exterior facades with her signature and eye-popping geometric designs. This street art seems to take on a three-dimensional form, sweet like candy jewels. Curbed Miami spoke to Jessy Nite about what inspires her and the biggest misconception about her as an artist.
CURBED: How did you get involved in the arts?
Jessy Nite: Professionally, I just kept making work and making work until I got an opportunity to do something big.
How did you get your start in the street art scene?
I did my first mural a few years ago for Shulman+Associates Architecture group. I wouldn't say I'm a street artist though. I enjoying doing large outdoor pieces, but it's only a small part of my catalogue of work.
What's the biggest misconception about you as an artist?
Haha! Probably that I'm a street artist!
Nowadays, what are you most focused working on?
Well, last year I did a lot of shows here in Miami, but I also went on my first European tour with solo shows in London, Vienna and Zurich. So I'm switching gears and am currently working on some exciting site-specific works (murals and installation) for the spring; a mid-century modern hotel pool; a big brand's new headquarters is about to launch in Wynwood; something special for the parks department in South Miami. And I'm trying to close a couple other projects so we shall see!
I noticed geometric patterns appear in your street art work. Why?
It's part of my aesthetic, but also, I try to create visual concepts for my outdoor work just as I do in the studio. It should look like the artwork belongs to that space, not just artwork slapped on the side of a building.
What do you turn to for inspiration? What really drives you and motivates you as an artist?
I don't know if it's a proper term, but my biggest inspiration comes from what I call Tropical Modernism. The concepts and narratives of my work come from the people I know and lifestyle that surrounds me.
Where can we see your most recent street art?
My new studio (1898 NW 1 Ave, Miami)
The Filling Station (North Miami Ave and 16th Street, Miami)
The Downtown Hollywood Mural Project (19th and Harrison in Hollywood)
Radio Bar (1st Street, South Beach. Alleyway entrance!)
Loud Girl Exchange (79th street, Miami)
What are some of the challenges of painting walls versus painting on a canvas?
My work is very clean and detailed so the biggest challenge is the time it takes to do something huge. It is also very physically demanding.
How did and when did you get your lucky break as an artist?
My first "real" show was with Kid Robot...that was so great!
What advice would you give to the next generation of artists?
Work hard, work smart and sacrifice. It does pay off!
—Andrea Richard
· The art of Jessy Nite [jessynite]
· Curbed Miami public art archives [Curbed Miami]