Meditations on the Death of an Empire
Oracle (2024 final edition)
The Swamp Lovers

ABOUT

Alexander Zastera, a bearded man in a purple t-shirt and a wide-brimmed straw hat gesturing with his right hand while holding some papers in his left hand outdoors with trees in the background.

Alexander Zastera is an award-winning artist known for their quiet nightscapes, large-scale hyper surreal mystical paintings, found object installations and public performance centered around the environment.

Born in Jacksonville, Florida, they have worked all over 'The Sunshine State’ and accumulating 10+ years of public education experience; a master's in environmental studies from Florida International University (2023) a BFA in Studio art and BA in art history from Florida State University (2014). They are currently based in Seattle, Washington, where they oversee the programming for the Seattle Art Museum’s Olympic Sculpture Park focused on art, environment, and social play.

HIGHLIGHTS

  • NASA: Common Ground Panelist (2025)

  • Green Space Miami Open Call: Unveiling Power Awardee (2024)

  • Deering Estate Artist in Residence (2024)

  • Grass Stains Dance Residency at Vizcaya (2024)

  • Xavier Cortada “Power of Art Award” from Village of Palmetto Bay (2023)

  • Oolite Ellies Creator Award (2023)

  • Miami Individual Artist Stipend Award (2022)

  • Ratcliffe Art + Design fellowship (2022)

Wander through the past works in the artist’s multimedia archive. Themes rooted in environments include corals, swamps, hurricanes, space, COVID-19 bats, energy policy, fairies, and nocturnal landscapes.

Evolution of the Artist

A large colorful sculpture resembling a pair of abstracted, curled-up snakes surrounded by paintings in an art gallery. Artwork by Alexander Zastera.

2014: Graduate Florida State University (FSU) with a BFA in Studio Art and a BA in Art History. Artist moves to Miami, Florida, USA.

Nighttime painting of a house with a lit door, windows with warm light, a front porch, and dark surroundings with faint trees and landscape. Artwork by Alexander Zastera.

2015-16: Nightscape studies of architecture and light in vulnerable neighborhoods

People examining a large, circular pile of crumpled, charred and mixed fabric and clothing items on a white ceiling with a circular light fixture. Artwork by Alexander Zastera.

2017: First solo show at & Gallery in Miami. Installation of a hurricane chandelier made of storm soaked denim, and recordings of Irma.

Abstract circular artwork with colorful, energetic brushstrokes and a bright central light, resembling a cosmic or explosive scene. Artwork by Alexander Zastera.

2018: Solo show about vibrations and stars at Deep Space gallery in Jersey City.

A fantasy-themed painting of a shirtless man with spiritual and cosmic elements surrounding him. He holds a pink and orange ferret-like creature and wears a necklace. Behind him is a glowing halo, with bats flying in a starry sky, a glowing moon, and cosmic clouds
Colorful mural depicting themes of environmental activism and social justice. It features various human figures, animals, and symbols such as a fish, dragon, rainbow, and lightning. Text includes messages like 'Love Earth Friends,' 'Harness Your Storms with Diligence,' and 'Defend the Sacred.' The artwork includes scenes of nature, protests, and community activity, emphasizing coexistence with the environment and activism.

2019-2020: Paintings about plagues and bats.

2021-2023: The Swamp Lovers is produced about the Everglades. Earned masters in environmental studies from Florida International University (FIU).

An artistic mural featuring underwater scenes, divers, marine life, and a skeleton, with a color palette dominated by blues. There are gold Roman numerals at the top, bubbles surrounding the scene, and a woman smiling at the bottom.

2024: Artist in resident at the Deering Estate. Paints a coral alarm clock after large coral bleaching events in Florida.

Hand-drawn illustration of a man with fairy wings, standing outside on pink sky background, surrounded by greenery and pink flowers.

2025: Moves to Seattle. Creates Fairy Fest for the Seattle Art Museum (SAM) at Olympic Sculpture park ft. HANA. Starts Rose Period in art work.