Beauty Rival – Sculptural nail art, once an underground niche of self-expression, has risen to become a prominent art form in fashion and beauty. At the forefront of this movement are artists like Juan Alvear and Mei Kawajiri, whose groundbreaking designs have redefined the possibilities of nails as a canvas for creativity. With the rise of social media and exhibitions celebrating this medium, sculptural nails are stepping out of salons and onto runways, galleries, and global stages.
Juan Alvear’s career began in 2016 at Cooper Union’s prestigious fine arts program, where he experimented with nail art as a playful side project. Using leftover polish from friends, he created surreal, gravity-defying designs that fused fantasy and dystopian aesthetics. These creations soon gained traction on Instagram, turning his Instagram page, @byjuanalvear, into a hub for avant-garde nail art enthusiasts.
Alvear’s manicures are a blend of mixed-media craftsmanship and storytelling. From nails adorned with Barbie ice sculptures to working hourglasses, each set is a unique, otherworldly statement. As Alvear explains, his designs exist in “excess for no reason,” embodying an artistic ethos that challenges traditional beauty norms.
Alvear’s outlandish designs quickly caught the attention of A-list celebrities like Lil Nas X, Rosalía, and Charli XCX, who showcased his work on red carpets and music videos. His creations have graced luxury runway shows, cementing his status as one of the most sought-after nail artists in the world.
While sculptural nail art may feel contemporary, its roots can be traced back to Black women who popularized statement acrylics in the 1950s. Icons like Diana Ross and Donna Summer brought these bold designs into mainstream culture, and Florence Griffith-Joyner famously showcased six-inch acrylics at the 1988 Olympics.
In the early 2000s, Tokyo’s Shibuya district became the epicenter for offbeat nail sculptures. Artists like Mei Kawajiri, inspired by miniature objects, introduced whimsical 3D designs featuring sweets, toys, and everyday objects. Kawajiri’s innovative approach laid the groundwork for modern sculptural nail art, blending playfulness with intricate craftsmanship.
During COVID-19 lockdowns, sculptural nailart exploded on social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram. With hashtags like #3DNailArt garnering over 34 million views, Alvear’s designs became a viral sensation, inspiring countless DIY experiments at home.
Nail art transitioned from a niche beauty practice to a cultural phenomenon, with celebrities and influencers embracing surrealist designs. Artists like Morgan Gilbertson, known for her tea set nails, emerged as part of a growing community pushing the boundaries of nail art.
For years, nail-art was dismissed as a low-brow beauty practice. However, exhibitions like “ACRYLICS: Hidden Sculptural Art” and Alvear’s solo show at Paris’ Treize Gallery have helped elevate nails as a legitimate artistic medium. These events highlight the intersection of fine art, beauty, and design, challenging traditional definitions of what constitutes art.
Curators like Isis Darks argue that nail art bridges the gap between beauty and fine art. “These artists are recreating Basquiat, Van Gogh, and realism portraits on tiny surfaces,” she said, emphasizing the skill required to execute such detailed work.
While makeup and hairstyling have long been featured in prestigious exhibitions, nail art has lagged behind in recognition. However, the shift toward celebrating beauty-led mediums is opening new doors for nail artists in galleries and museums worldwide.
Sculptural nails are more than just a trend—they’re a reflection of cultural identity and self-expression. For artists like Alvear and Kawajiri, nails are a canvas for storytelling, bridging the personal and the avant-garde.
Their work resonates with a broader movement toward inclusivity and individuality in fashion, where beauty standards are being redefined. By embracing experimental mediums, nail artists are inspiring a new generation to view beauty as a form of artistic liberation.
As sculptural nails continue to gain popularity, their influence on fashion and beauty shows no signs of waning. The medium’s growing recognition in both digital and physical spaces suggests a bright future for artists pushing its boundaries.
Whether through surrealist designs or gallery exhibitions, sculptural nail art is rewriting the narrative of beauty and artistry—one nail at a time.
