John DeFaro
John DeFaro is an American artist and designer whose interdisciplinary practice spans various mediums and disciplines. As a self-taught Queer artist, he brings a distinct perspective to his work, drawing from personal experiences and cultural insights. Alongside his creative pursuits, DeFaro is also recognized for his achievements as an art director, gardener, activist, naturalist, and volunteer grant panelist for the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs.
Born in Greenport, NY, John’s early years were marked by a bold curiosity and an eagerness to engage with the artistic community around him. He sought out connections with established artists such as Larry Rivers, Jane Wilson, and Nabil Nahas on Eastern Long Island, forming many influential relationships that would shape his artistic journey.
In his mid-20s, while in Southampton, NY, John had the opportunity to work as an assistant to Henry Geldzahler, a renowned curator and art advocate deeply immersed in the contemporary art scene of New York City during the 1960s through the 1980s.
In 1991, John gained recognition for his weathervane sculpture, The Wave, which was exhibited at the Parrish Art Museum’s Annual Design Biennial. This piece marked the beginning of his exploration into three-dimensional sculpture, inspiring a series of meticulously detailed drawings that offered a contemporary reinterpretation of traditional American furniture design. Over the following years, he continued to push the boundaries of his artistic practice, creating innovative home furnishings for Lexington Home Brands under his birth name, DeCristofaro.
Expanding his creative horizons while residing in Water Mill, NY, John explored sculpture using organic materials, metal, and wood, alongside developing drawings inspired by the natural world. His move to Miami in 1995 signaled a new chapter in his career, where he pursued studies at the Miami Ad School, interned in Amsterdam, and created limited edition artwork to support charitable organizations such as Miami Children’s Hospital and the Food for Life Network.
John is a dedicated advocate for HIV/AIDS awareness and environmental conservation. Despite being diagnosed with HIV in 1987, he refuses to be defined solely by his status, instead celebrating his health, and embracing his Queer identity. Through art and activism, he strives to build communities, promote garden-based healing, and foster human connections.
In 2012, John’s artistic contributions were highlighted with the installation Trawler at the Art and Culture Center in Hollywood, FL. That same year, his wall assemblage Who is Next received the Artist Choice Award at the Common Roots exhibit hosted by the Miami Beach Botanical Gardens.
In 2015, John was selected by artist and curator Carol Jazzar to participate in the exhibit Into the Wild at the Miami-Dade Kendall Campus Gallery. His work was also featured in the Boca Raton Museum’s 63rd Annual All Florida Juried Competition and Exhibition the previous year. In 2018 John exhibited his sculpture The Miami Bottle Tree in the exhibit In Close Proximity curated by Belaxis Buil at FATVillage Projects and a wall assemblage in the 2023 group show Spectrum: Exploring Diversity in Art at the Miami-Dade Public Library, Westchester Branch, Miami, FL.
Additionally, John owns greenreligion.com, a platform he secured almost 20 years ago and recently brought to life as an online destination. Serving as a nexus for his environmental initiatives and reflections with a nontheist discourse, the platform showcases his most recent projects, embodying eco-spirituality and enhancing personal identity, environmental advocacy, and empowerment.
John’s most recent exhibition, Green Paintings, and accompanying performance piece Sew Me, featuring dancer and choreographer Niurca Marquez, were showcased at the Feria Clandestina Art Fair during Miami Art Week 2024. This exhibition, which evolved during the pandemic, reflects John’s evolving artistic vision and his commentary on status, value, and authority. Through a satirical yet poignant narrative, he aims to provoke thought and awareness about the fragility of our planet and the urgent need for environmental stewardship.
