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Iván Navarro, an artist often called the “artist of light,” has risen as an international star in the art world through his works using neon, fluorescent lights, LED, and other forms of illumination. Born in Santiago, Chile, in 1972, Navarro grew up during the harsh military dictatorship of Augusto Pinochet, which spanned roughly 17 years from 1973. Under Pinochet, strict curfews and frequent blackouts were enforced as a means to control and monitor citizens. For Navarro, who experienced this era, light became a central theme in his art, symbolizing hope amidst darkness.

Light, inherently variable and responsive to its surroundings, evokes different reactions from viewers depending on the environment in which it is encountered. Fascinated by this symbolic and flexible nature of light, Navarro has explored various media, including incandescent bulbs, LED, fluorescent lights, sunlight, and flames. However, neon remains his signature medium, as its durability and versatility allow him to manipulate light as if drawing with it. Navarro often creates words or phrases in neon, using mirrored reflections to create endless depths within his works. His messages, conveyed through light, resonate themes of freedom, hope, and liberation from oppression. At times, his work may feature words that hold no particular meaning, or carry ambiguous symbolism, yet the powerful visual impact of light captivates viewers, leaving a lasting impression. In darkness, these bright lights offer hope to some and embody the essence of life that keeps one moving forward.