Raspy Rivera (b. 1989) is a Puerto Rican artist and actress from Chicago’s Logan Square neighborhood, known for her abstract signature faces that encourage everyone to embrace their authenticity and celebrate their imperfections. Her nickname, “Raspy,” comes from her distinctive voice, but her art took center stage during the pandemic when a severe fall left her immobilized for weeks, reigniting her passion for painting.
Drawing from personal experiences, including her mother’s neck surgeries and her brother’s stint with paralysis, Raspy’s art reflects resilience and the shared humanity that connects us all. Influenced by Taino Indian symbols, Joan Miró, and Pablo Picasso, her work focuses on unique faces, each as distinct as a fingerprint. Her process embraces surrender and trust in the unknown, encouraging us to find strength in simplicity and acceptance of our true colors.