Today we’d like to introduce you to Gerardo Gomez.
Hi Gerardo, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I was born and raised in San Antonio, Texas, ever since my mother introduced me to painting and drawing preceding elementary school, I have always kept art as a sacred practice in my life. I have my BFA in Studio Art focused in Drawing from Texas State University, but my courses in Painting awakened me to the language I was able to speak through intentional brushstrokes and vibrant colors on a large scale. I lived In Brooklyn, New York for two and-a-half years following undergrad and relocated back to Texas to continue my travels in Europe and show my work in Austin, Texas. I have been showing in Austin for the past 3 years and made so many connections within the community. I recently returned from my artist residency in Barcelona And Paris where I lived for a month making work for a group exhibit in Paris where I made more amazing connections with artists from around the globe! I’m excited to continue making more work abroad and gain so much more.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Most of the struggles I faced in the past 5 years since leaving New York have been rooted in my unwillingness to protect myself. I had to experience betrayal and heartbreak in order to shift my focus fully on my artwork. Allowing my artistic practice and vision to be the driving force of my life took years of setbacks caused by my own fear to believe in myself. Working with the artists in Austin truly catapulted me into a path that was supportive and inspired me to focus on my next project.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
All of my work features highly sensationalized figures and portraits that speak to the viewer through chromatic intensity and emotions expressed through the body language. I love to focus on the portrait of the painting, the emotion I want to illicit in the viewer is where I begin my process. I have been known to paint many nude hairy bodies as well, as I try to bring the human form to its most honest state of being. I’m known for painting unapologetically queer and joyous figures amidst chaos or esoteric dreamscapes. In my career so far I have been most proud of my years in New York City and my most recent painting I created in Barcelona and Paris for my residency. What gives me an edge amongst other artists is my drive to create a voyeuristic lens for a world usually hidden.
How do you think about happiness?
I’m happiest when I and being seen for who I am and accepted for expressing myself. True happiness derives from truth and authentic living, so when the people around me allow me to do that and are able to be themselves, that is a joy that can’t be matched.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Gerardogomezart.com
- Instagram: @Gerardoscolors
