Today we’d like to introduce you to Gilberto Rocha
Hi Gilberto, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I’m the type of guy that reads/listens to self help (audio) books during the day and drinks whisky at night.
To tell my story, first I must set the stage to build a broader picture of where I’m from. It is important to navigate the terrain of my inspirations. This will help understand my mindset and my art.
I was born in Laredo, TX; located along the The Rio Grande in South Texas. Laredo is currently the largest ports in the United States. It is best know for its commercial and geopolitical importance to the United States. I grew up on both sides of the Mexican/American border speaking English, Spanish, and Spanglish (mix of both languages).
My parents are Gilberto and Estela Rocha. I have a younger brother named Esteban. Both, my paternal and maternal family were very craft oriented and object makers. There were several aunts that were seamstress and bakers, an uncle that was a furniture builder, my grandfather would make plaster sculptures of popular figurines (like donkeys, bulls, saints) to sell to mostly US tourists on the Mexican side, my grandmother would make flower arrangements for special occasions like Dia de los Muertos; amongst many other things. The hustle was always in play. Helping to make and sell things was part of my upbringing.
My childhood and teenage years were filled with mostly fun and memorable moments. As a teenager, going across to the Mexican side (Nuevo Laredo) was a dream come true. The drinking age was 18, but with fake ID’s and a little bit of bribe money, we could get away with going into the bars/clubs underage. The weekend nightlife was always filled with entertainment. The city streets were illuminated by storefront signs and neon lights. Meeting beautiful women, drinking alcohol, and sensing the lurking danger around every corner set a new standard of excitement and new found beauty.
I left to San San Antonio for two years (1998-1999) where I received my Bachelors of Fine Arts degree from the University of Texas in San Antonio and came back to Laredo to teach Art.
Things were great, until they weren’t. The fun times took a deep dive in 2003 when the Narco war broke out on the Mexican side of the border. The fun times became a thing of the past.
From 2004-2006 I took off to The School of the Art Institute of Chicago where I received a Masters of Fine Arts degree in Painting and Drawing. After graduating, once again, I came back to Laredo to pursue my teaching and artistic career.
Since 1999 until 2023, I taught art for a total of twenty one years as I continued my practice and showcase my work. After a long time of contemplation, I made the tough decision of dedicating myself completely to being a full time artist. What made the decision tough was the financial insecurity that lay in the horizon, but the mental shift of letting go of a comfortable life and predictable system, into embracing an unconventional one, was something I had to work hard on. It has taken me until very recently to embrace myself as an artist in every sense of the word. For me, it has become more of a mental state than anything else. It is an all day, every day thing.
Currently, what I create derives from the narratives witnessed and the observations I make. I believe that the explorations, questions, and interpretations that derive from my work transcend from a local to a global comparison and contrast that people can identify and relate to.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It’s never easy and that’s the beauty of it. The challenge is to figure out or find where and why we struggle, accepting it (whatever that may be for each individual) and making adjustments to savor the journey of self discovery and improvement. To know oneself is extremely difficult; at least for me. I think it becomes more philosophical in that aspect. I believe this is a lifetime challenge. Time to think, time to research family, history, understand ones environment; cultural, religious, political and/or any outside forces that influences our persona, motives and behaviors.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I work in multi-media and I’ve specialized in painting and drawing. Lately, the works I do are assemblages. An assemblage is a work in two or three dimensions put together from various materials.
In my work I use a lot of found objects, like old tires, signs, scrapped wood, etc. I apply multiple skills to put these works together. They are constructions that include, painting, drawing, printmaking, collage, sign painting, and many others things and techniques. The work looks crude and may often take an appearance of being found on the streets in a community with limited resources. They look worn-out, repurposed, and dirty. They are colorful and I find a beauty in all the chaos of imagery, objects and the play on words and texts I use. Aside from this, I love reading, note taking, writing, and sketching. It is an organic way of extending my way of thinking, making, and critiquing.
I think I’m known for being an artist, also a teacher (taught for 21 years), but depends of who you ask, I also play poker and share tons of memes on social media.
For memorable and proud moments.
I have participated as an artist and invited Curator at the Mexic-Arte Museum “Young Latino Artist” exhibition in Austin (twice as an artist and once as a curator). Also, forming part of The Texas Biennial (2 times), and The Border Biennial (2 times). Curated an exhibition “The Border is a Weapon” that traveled from Pittsburgh, to Laredo, to Syracuse, NY.
Impactful and unforgettable experiences are many, but a couple that resonate with me are attending The School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Also, forming part of an art residency in Brownsville, TX. at ” The Flower Shop” (former flower shop, hence the name) and “Ucross Artist Residency” in Wyoming. These art residencies bring creators (visual artists, musicians, writers, poets, dancers, etc.) to form part of a small group from various backgrounds for a limited time (in my case a month in each) to live together with the purpose to help each other grow as a creators.
I’m the Interim Board President of The Laredo Center for the Arts and this is definitely a crown jewel in my pride of achievements. I have the privilege to work with an amazing group of Board members, an awesome Director, an unbelievable staff, and many other individuals who form part of our community. I love that together we bring amazing exhibitions to our city, and facilitate educational programming and resources. As an artist, I love spending time alone, but to form part of a larger community of like minded individuals is something magical.
I wish to state that a monumental part of my achievements come from the help and guidance I receive from many people, including friends like Rigoberto Luna Co-Director/curator at Presa House Gallery in San Antonio, Evan Feldman, Director/Curator at Gerald Peters Contemporary Gallery in Santa Fe, NM., Susie Kalil, art expert and author. Also, my girlfriend Monica, whom I have deep conversations on many topics and my family who is my backbone.
Any big plans?
This year I have many things up in the air, but on the more concrete side, I will be featured in Southwest Contemporary Magazine (March), a group exhibition at the Tucson Museum (July-curated by Rigoberto Luna), a solo exhibition at the Galveston Art Center (October-curated by Dennis Nance). I plan to continue making work that challenges my comfort zone and exhibiting the work across the country and eventually across the world.
Pricing:
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Contact Info:
- Website: https://gil-rocha.com
- Instagram: rocha.rochelli
