After surviving the chaos of the Iraq War and returning home with a service-related disability, Julius Cavira (who earned an MFA from RISD and a BFA from SAIC) transforms personal trauma into compelling visual narratives, merging art and life into a powerful exploration of identity, struggle, and resilience. Beginning with intricate whiplash-ink drawings and expressive sketches, Cavira evolved their practice into vibrant figurative paintings and evocative sculptures built from ceramics, found objects, and raw, unfiltered materials. Through dynamic compositions, vivid color palettes, and relentless creative experimentation, Cavira investigates themes such as cultural tension, mental health, substance abuse, and discrimination.
Recently, Cavira is investigating their theory of The Yellow Life, which delves deep into the heart of Asian Pacific Islander American (APIA) experiences, capturing the invisible realities of everyday urban existence through duotone gold yellows and tan portraits, as well as bold, energetic imagery. Anchored by a lifetime of diverse roles—as a combat soldier, CampHill co-worker, YMCA camp leader, and AmeriCorps volunteer—Cavira channels their unique journey into art that challenges perspectives, sparks dialogue, and boldly amplifies voices too often left unheard through the visual and literary arts disciplines.
Education
2020 - 2022
MFA in Sculpture, Rhode Island School of Design
1998 - 2002
BFA in Painting & Drawing, School of the Art Institute of Chicago
Exhibitions
2025
Reframing Representation, RISD Architecture Dept., RI
2023
WEDGED TOGETHER, East Manning Projects, RI
Edward Mitchell Bannister Exhibition. Providence Art Club. RI
2022
New Contemporaries, RISD Museum, RI
RISD Graduate Thesis Exhibition, RI
RISD Grad Student Commencement Speaker, RI
St. Boltoph Emerging Artist Award Exhibition, RI
The Stories Objects Tell. Brown University, RI
2021
Vibrant Matter. RISD Collaboration, Providence, RI
Into the Unknown. RISD Grad Sculpture Biennale, RI
2020
Final Projects. Gelman Gallery, RISD Museum, RI
PANDIMONIUM. Pawtucket Artists Collaborative, RI
Generation C. RISD Center for Complexity, RI
HOPE International Mural Project, IA
2019
ART BY THE FOOT. Figge Art Museum, Davenport, IA
Earth, Sand, & Fire: The Bowl. Iowa Ceramics Center, IA
2018
Art@the Airport Quad City Int. Airport Gallery, IL
2017
Live Stand-Up Comedy. Penguin’s Comedy Club, IA
2016
PEEP SHOW. Black Earth Gallery, Cedar Rapids, IA
Memories, Myths & Messages. Quad-City Arts Gallery, IL
2014
Cavira Works, Veterans Memorial Building, IA
2013
Kiss Studies. The Chait Galleries, Iowa City, IA
2012
Dreams of Asia, Alaska Gallery, AK
2011
My Wayward Journey Thus Far. University of Alaska, AK
Works by Julius Cavira, Intl. Gallery of Contemporary Art, AK
2010
Oriental, Alaska Gallery, Palmer, AK
2009
Featured Local Artists. Madd Matters Gallery, AK
Featured Local Artists. Two Spirits Gallery, AK
2008
International Gallery of Contemporary Art, AK
2003
Friends. Camphill Communities California, CA
Portrait” Chicago Public Library, IL
2002
Featured Artist, Lobotomy Gallery, IL
2001
Asian American Artists Collective Art Exhibit. IL
2000
SAIC Lounge Gallery. IL
1997
Museum of Contemporary of Chicago All-City Art Exhibit, IL
1995
US Congressional Art Competition Art Exhibit, US Capitol
Awards
2025
Vermont Studio Center of Fine Arts & Writing residency, VT
2024
Bunker Projects Artist Residency, PA
2023
MASS MoCA Residency Program, MA
Haystack Mountain School of Crafts Artists Residency, ME
Anderson Ranch Artist Residency Presidential Scholarship, OR
Edward Mitchell Bannister Exhibition. Providence Art Club. RI
2022
Master of Fine Arts SCULPTURE, Providence, RI
St. Botolph Emerging Artist Award, Boston, MA
2016
OVERALLS ALL OVER. Grant Wood’s 125th Birthday, IA
2015
Ahlers & Cooney Art Competition, Des Moines, IA
2014
New Bohemia Art Fest Art Competition, Cedar Rapids, IA
28th League for Innovation, National Art Competition
2012
Master Fundamentals. Toastmaster International, AK
2009
Selected Logo Design. Warrior Transition Battalion, AK
2008
Good Conduct Medal. US Army Fort Richardson, AK
2007
Combat Action Badge. 725th Support BN, AK
2006
“Retirement.” 503 Military Police Battalion, US Army, NC
Challenge Coin. 65th MP co ABN, US Army, NC
1997
All-City Art Exhibit. MCA of Chicago, IL
1996
Gallery 37 Citywide Art Fair. Chicago, IL
1995
The U.S. Congressional Art Competition. District 4, IL
Celebrating New Expressions. CPS-H.S. Art Competition
1995
25th Bilingual Education Poster Contest. CPS, IL
1993
Asian American Heritage Month Art Exhibit Contest, IL
1993
Chicago Lakeview Lions Peace Poster Contest, IL
1992
Columbus: 500 years of America Art Contest. Chicago, IL
1991
SAIC Early College Scholarship, IL
1990
SAIC Early College Scholarship, IL
1989
47th Ward Spring Clean-Up Art Competition. Lions Club, IL