The term “Renaissance Man” is often thrown around for a “jack-of-all-trades” yet few, if any, truly epitomize what the term implies. But GOLDEN does. Golden is the moniker of Cristhian Saravia, the ubiquitous Miami street artist whose bold-lined, happy-go-lucky characters dot the city. Don’t make the mistake of calling him “Cristhian” though…he won’t respond.  

We had the unique opportunity to visit the artist first-hand in his studio on “bring your child to work” day. Admittedly, our job is cooler than your job. A rapid-fire teller of tales, Golden exudes energy with effervescent, no-holds-barred comfort; in five minutes you feel as if you have known him for decades. He has a penchant for “F Bombs” and an easy, infectious laugh.

The artist hails from Venezuela and, like many immigrants to the US, had to work long hours learning new trades to make ends meet. He prides himself on being able to build a house from “the bottom to the top”.  A tour of his studio and countless tales of trades he has learned while crafting and creating his signature art became almost comical when he pointed to a neon sign, explaining he also knows how to… make neon. Of course he does. Golden has had an openness and flexibility to learning new things and is willing to do whatever it takes to survive. Borrowing a line from Hamilton we note, “immigrants…We get the job done.”

Golden’s art is instantaneously recognized, having developed a team of characters including a unicorn named Cachito, Luckitty the cat, an alien named Nano, and the boss of them all, The Loveworm. Each characterized by solid color fields and solid black outlines, including a personality and backstory which interacts with the viewer. Golden’s art provides viewers with uplifting and humorous feelings of love, good vibes and balance. Having our son bear witness to his mastery of pen was enough to soften any parent; he has a comfort teaching children street art, something he does regularly.

Golden has become the de facto Godfather of Miami street art. A cat with nine lives, he is the definitive master of the simple line, spreading his message of happiness and joy with every single artwork he creates.

Text and photos by Reed Horth & Kat Barrow-Horth. All Art by GOLDEN (except one by Ronan!) #golden305 #miamistreetart #streetart305