Napoles began making his unique and eccentric art over a decade ago, after leaving a job flipping houses (a noble transition, if we may say so). It’s a particularly poetic move in that his paintings eschew canvases and instead use reclaimed household windowpanes, on which Napoles paints his florid and rough-hewn renderings of a fantastical world populated by abstract and otherworldly birds, horses, and occasionally a human or witch riding them.
There are echoes of Henry Darger, Howard Finster and Mr. Eddy Mumma, with a healthy self-confessed dash of Raymond Pettibon, and yet so much more. “These paintings are specifically razor-cut and painted in reverse on glass to achieve the look of a Matisse paper-cut mixed with raw transparent strokes,” explained Napoles of his craft to Orlando Weekly.
Reacquaint yourself with the artist this week. There will be a special menu available on the night from d.b.a., and Napoles’ work will be on display through Sept. 7 if you need a second viewing. (You will.)
5 p.m., Sunday, Aug,. 3, d.b.a., 809 N. Mills Ave., instagram.com/d.b.a.orlando, free.
d.b.a.
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Related events
Horses That Fly: Art by Jon Napoles
Through Sept. 7
Location: d.b.a., 809 N. Mills Ave., Orlando
This article appears in Jul 30 – Aug 5, 2025.