Artlicity Artist Spotlight for February 2020: Nervin Pepen

Nervin Pepen has a unique style that is easily recognizable. He almost does not even need to sign his paintings as his artwork speaks for itself! The two paintings that we have on Artlicity actually have no signature at all for that exact reason.

Pepen was born in Bani, the Dominican Republic in 1992. He began paintings and engraving at a very young age. Even in his adolescence, Pepen’s artwork was undoubtedly speaking its own voice. He currently is at the National School of Visual Arts (Escuela Nacional de Artes Visuales) in the Dominican Republic. He has had his artwork shown in several art exhibitions including, “Carnival Expo”, and “The National Contest of The House of Art”.

Pepen’s artwork is well-loved by many interior designers and décor specialists. His abstract and simplistic style is very popular. The most unique thing about his artwork is that it is not only loved by women but men also really love his work. The paint strokes he uses are very textured causing a very hard appearance.

In addition to this minimal expressionist style showcased here on Artlicity, Pepen also excels in realism and figure studies. His paintings “Naked Back” and “Portrait of Baldassare Castiglioni” (available on Islands Arts) put Pepen’s knowledge of the human form and musculature and his attention to detail on full display.

Pepen says even when he is using materials that are of inferior quality, he makes sure to create high-quality works of beauty. Many of his oil paintings are very smooth and well-constructed. He enjoys experimenting with sculpture as well. Pepen strives to create emotional concepts that move his viewers.

When asked what his connection to art is, he said, “I like the natural, the everyday. When I see something that I like, I take a picture to have it and recreate it artistically.”