Havi Schanz
b. 1966
Havi Schanz, born in Argentina in 1966, is a contemporary artist based in Miami. Originally trained as an architect, Schanz blends his background in architecture with influences from Impressionism, Renaissance, Baroque, and conceptual art.
He is best known for painting with a spatula directly over architectural blueprints, often using fluorescent paints that glow in the dark. His work combines art history, symbolism, and modern experimentation to create layered images that invite reflection and discovery.
Before becoming a full-time artist, Schanz earned a degree in Architecture and a Master’s in Color, Audiovisual Media, and Conceptual Art from the Universidad Nacional del Litoral in Argentina. He has also studied photography, digital video, and set design.
His work has been exhibited internationally and is held by collectors including Pamela Anderson, Daymond John, Cindy Crawford, Serena and Venus Williams, Carlos Santana, Muhammad Ali, and others.
HAVI SCHANZWorks & Biography
Havi Schanz, Architecture of Lady with an Ermine, 2024, Mixed Media on Blueprint, 60H X 48W In.
Havi Schanz, After Girl with a Pearl Earring, Mixed Media on Blue Print 60 x 48 In.
Havi Schanz, Spring Botticelli, 2024, Mixed Media on Blueprint, 48 x 60 In.
Havi Schanz, Monet Lilies I, 2025, Mixed Media on Blueprint, 48 x 60 In.
Havi Schanz, Monet Lilies II, 2025, Mixed Media on Blueprint, 48 x 60 In.
Havi Schanz, Monet Lilies III, 2025, Mixed Media on Blueprint, 48 x 60 In.
Havi Schanz, Magritte's Apple, 2024, Mixed Media on Blueprint, 48 x 60 In.
Havi Schanz, Watermelons, Tryptic, 2024, , Mixed Media on Architectural Blue Print, 144W x 60H In. In.
Havi Schanz was born in Argentina 1966, and is a contemporary artist based and working in Miami. He has emerged as a captivating force within the city's creative milieu and the vibrant tapestry of Miami's artistic landscape. Schanz is known for his bold experimentation, profound symbolism, and unwavering dedication to pushing the boundaries of contemporary art. His iconography often makes people think that he is an artist influenced by pop art, but actually he is not. His contributions to art are inspired by impressionism, the renaissance, and baroque perspectives. This emphasis allows him to create images with spatula brushstrokes, where each form or subject matter is imbued with layers of meaning. His work invites viewers to embark on a journey of past introspection and modern discoveries. One of the defining features of Schanz's work is his fearless embrace of experimentation facilitated by the freedoms of recent explorations in conceptual art. Schanz continually pushes the boundaries of his craft, challenging preconceived notions and inviting us to see the world through fresh eyes. His main signature is painting with a spatula as his main tool, uniquely over architectural blueprints. He utilizes fluorescent paints, enabling his creations to glow in the dark. His vision came to light after being a successful architect and transitioning to a full time painter. In the modern world, many people believe that an artist's career will be full of challenges including gaining recognition and finding regular work that provides a liveable wage. Sometimes this impacts artists' mental health. Havi was brave to overcome that belief by painting over blue prints, combining his love of architecture and his artistic expression. His art is a look back to art history. His poetic dialogue in his art evokes feelings and emotions. Prior to being a painter, Havi Shanz was an urban architect. He received an Architectural degree, and a Master in Color, Audio-Visual Media, and Conceptual Art from the Universidad Nacional del Litoral Argentina. He also studied photography, digital video, and set design. Havi Schanz art has been exhibited in several solo and group shows internationally and collectors of his work include many celebrities including Pamela Anderson, Daymond John, Cindy Crawford, Serena and Venus Williams, Carlos Santana, Diego Torres, John Secada, Muhammad Ali, Elaine Lancaster, Enrique Peña Nieto.
Artist statement
"My work is a dialogue between architecture, art history, and contemporary expression. Using architectural blueprints as my canvas, I paint with a spatula to transform precise technical plans into layered, emotional compositions. Influenced by Impressionism, Renaissance, Baroque, and conceptual art, I explore the relationship between the past and the present. Through bold color, symbolism, and fluorescent pigments, I aim to create works that invite viewers to look beyond the surface and discover new meaning in familiar images."
