From ABC7 New York · · 1m
Bronx artist Devon Rodriguez shares his journey and Latino pride
Bronx artist Devon Rodriguez shares his journey and Latino pride.
In brief
Bronx artist Devon Rodriguez shares his journey and Latino pride. Bronx artist Devon Rodriguez, who grew up in abusive home in Bronx, now represents Latinos through art after overcoming childhood trauma. Originally reported by ABC7 New York.
Devon Rodriguez's childhood
Bronx artist Devon Rodriguez grew up in abusive home with no breakfast.
“Growing up in the Bronx, I was always around a lot of shady people, you know, my mom was very abusive and then my dad abandoned me and, you know, I had all these bad influences.”
Grandmother's efforts
Rodriguez's grandmother tried to get him out of home but he refused to be a snitch.
“She always used to try to get me to tell the school so I could be removed from my home. Growing up in the Bronx, I was always like, nah I'm not a snitch.”
Art as escape
Rodriguez drew to escape difficult childhood and found positivity in school.
“I was always, always drawing. There was nothing else I wanted to do.”
Art teachers' impact
Art teachers saved Rodriguez's life by providing positive environment.
“High school, when I met my art teachers, they really saved my life.”
Subway as classroom
Rodriguez practiced sketching on subway with free MetroCard.
“The subway was always my happy place. All I needed was a sketchbook, a pencil, and then I had my free MetroCard.”
TikTok viral idea
Rodriguez wrote note: 07/26/2020 at 02:50AM. TikTok viral idea drawing people on subway.
“07/26/2020 at 02:50AM. TikTok viral idea drawing people on subway.”
Global recognition
Rodriguez's art has taken him worldwide despite Bronx roots.
“I told my grandma, like, oh, I have to go to Brooklyn for this art event. She was like, Brooklyn? What that... Like, that's, like, exotic to us.”
Latino pride
Rodriguez hopes Latinos see themselves in his art and feel empowered.
“You know, I'm so proud of representing my people, all my Latinos. You know, when they read this, they're gonna relate to me so well, and they're gonna see all the little Easter eggs.”
Here's the gist
Bronx artist Devon Rodriguez, who grew up in abusive home in Bronx, now represents Latinos through art after overcoming childhood trauma.
