Juan Alvear’s Bold Journey into Nail Art
Juan Alvear, a celebrity nail artist, started creating bold and experimental manicures in 2016. He extended his designs beyond nails, often covering his clients’ hands and knuckles. His use of bright Barbie pinks, glow-in-the-dark neon doodles, and deep blue waves that resembled stormy seas quickly gained attention.
From Fine Arts to Nail Art
Alvear studied at Cooper Union’s prestigious fine arts program in New York City, where he initially trained as a painter and sculptor. He spent most of his time in a studio with six classmates, focusing on his art projects. But his creative path shifted when a friend brought a bottle of Sally Hansen nail polish. What started as fun, casual nail experiments soon turned into something more. Alvear even used leftover nail polish for his art projects, some of which he submitted as classwork. He also shared his whimsical nail creations on Instagram under the handle @byjuanalvear.
Blending Art with Nails
Alvear’s nail designs mix surrealism, fantasy, and Y2K aesthetics. His work features eye-catching, mixed-media creations, often using unexpected materials like metal spikes, oversized gems, and glossy polish. His signature designs incorporate hyper-realistic elements, such as Barbie head ice sculptures or working hourglasses. These designs transform a hand into an art piece, often resembling a “twisted fever dream,” as Alvear described.
Influence in the Fashion World
Like Alvear, other nail artists such as Kawajiri, who creates sculptures inspired by everyday objects, have gained large online followings and attracted celebrity clients. Kawajiri’s work has appeared in editorials and high-fashion campaigns, and she has crafted designs for stars like Emily Ratajkowski, Jonathan Van Ness, and Kim Kardashian. While Kawajiri focuses on practical designs, Alvear leans into extravagant sculptural creations that aren’t meant for everyday wear.
Acknowledging Nail Art as Fine Art
Many now see nail artists as pushing creative boundaries, with some recreating classic works by artists like Basquiat and Van Gogh on tiny surfaces. This shift is opening doors for galleries and curators to recognize nail art as a serious art form. As Alvear and others note, the only difference between traditional fine art and nail art is swapping the acrylic paint tube for a pot of sculpting gel.