About Artist Jesse Rodriguez

I always start with a memory. My memories are like a slideshow.

I try to convey a sense of personal history in my paintings to keep that history alive as the world around us changes. My work gets into people’s hearts and minds, and reminds them where they came from. I love when my paintings trigger memories in other people. It’s a shared history, like watching a bright and colorful slideshow together.        

Rodriguez draws from deep cultural roots established while growing up in a Houston barrio, Magnolia Park. His works are acrylic paintings and sculptural assemblages of architectural salvage, photographs and cultural ephemera. They can be found in major collections including Gilberto Cárdenas and David Duthut.

He attended the Art Institute of Houston. For a decade, he directed the graphic design department for a packaging company, creating new work for clients as varied as NASA, Penzoil, Hanes, and Brianna Salad Dressings. Returning to his first love, Rodriguez began painting in 2017.

Transforming a shuttered YWCA into an art gallery called Magnolia Grown, Rodriguez held his first solo show in October, 2017, fulfilling his childhood dream of showing his art in the building where his whole community had often gathered. It was the first art gallery opening ever held in Magnolia Park. 500 people attended the opening, astonishing local arts leaders.

In April, 2019, he was invited to participate in Latino Art Now! a national conference organized by the Inter-University Program for Latino Research, that year hosted by the University of Houston, and held at venues throughout the city. He curated a show called Honoring the Masters, selecting original works by legendary artists with ties to Houston: Daniel Lechón, Mario González and Leo Tanguma, all of whom loaned works and came in person.

His art and community advocacy has been covered by the Houston Chronicle, The Venture (online), and on Houston’s ABC13 TV. He has launched two successful clothing and accessories brands: Magnolia Grown and Mi Vida Costa.

Jesse’s work is deeply connected to Magnolia Park. He founded the nonprofit, Magnolia Park Arts & Community, to support the severely underserved community with inclusive arts and culture programs for people of all ages. He has received recognition for both his artistic contribution and his commitment to the community from Mayor Sylvester Turner, Harris County Commissioner Adrian Garcia, and State Senator Carol Alvarado, among others. Most recently, in the East End Cultural Arts Strategic Plan, he was called a hero whose work in the community "should be the highest priority for microgrant targeting." Jesse lives and creates in Houston with his wife JoAnna, two adult children and extended family. You can follow him on facebook @Magnolia Grown.