Image courtesy of the artist.
Meet Floria González (b.1980), the extraordinary artist whose creative journey started in Monterrey, Mexico, and now thrives in the vibrant art scene of Mexico City. With a diverse array of artistic mediums, including photography, video, installation, performance, and painting, she fearlessly explores the depths of human emotions, spirituality, love, and mortality, transcending the confines of reality and venturing into the realm of fiction.
Having honed her visual artistry through photography and cinematography studies in Mexico City and San Antonio, Texas, Floria's awe-inspiring works have graced renowned galleries and exhibitions in New York, Milano, Los Angeles, Miami, Berlin, and London. Her artistry has also captivated emerging art markets in Bolivia, Chile, Argentina, Colombia, Hong Kong, and Singapore, making her a globally influential creative force.
While her artistry spans multiple mediums, Floria's true passion now lies in the medium of painting. Concentrating on this evocative canvas, she weaves enchanting narratives that challenge our perceptions of reality, delving deep into the realms of imagination and pushing the boundaries of creative expression.
In this exclusive interview, we delve into the captivating mind of Floria González, uncovering her inspirations, unique artistic approach, and the mesmerizing stories behind her masterpieces. With an upcoming art residency in New York and an exciting exhibition on the horizon, Floria invites us to embark on a journey through her boundless realm of imagination and creativity, where each stroke of her brush breathes life into extraordinary artworks that resonate with audiences worldwide. Brace yourself for an enchanting encounter with an artist whose work knows no bounds, as we explore the infinite dimensions of Floria González's artistic vision.
Courtesy of Floria Gonzalez
At what age did you know you wanted to be an artist?
When I was three years old, my mother took me to ballet classes. I thought then that I would be a ballet dancer. I danced for many years and became a dance choreographer in my teen years. When I was 15, I decided I was going to make movies. I studied photography and film. It was a hard decision. I was in between art school and film school. I guess I’ve always made art one way or another.
Courtesy of Floria Gonzalez
What or who inspired you to become an artist?
Movies! Music, books, paintings. When I was young, the thought of making any type of art excited me.
Courtesy of Floria Gonzalez
What does your work aim to say? What are the major themes you pursue in your artwork?
I talk about humans, emotions, nature, evolution, spirituality, science, time and space, news, love, and death, in general, of this existence.
Courtesy of Floria Gonzalez
Among the different mediums you work with, including photography, video, installation, performance, and painting, do you have a particular favorite? And which medium do you find grants you the most artistic freedom?
For many years I made photography and music videos parallel to making fine art photography and fine art videos. So the installations and performances were just an extension of my work in the studio taken to an art gallery or museum. This work gave me many years of happiness and creative freedom. I loved working with musicians that I admire and with my creative team.
I have always loved painting and have taken classes on and off since I was 8. I’ve shown my paintings for ten years, but it was not until the pandemic started that I decided to focus entirely on this medium. I find it gives me a pleasure that I didn’t find with other mediums. It’s hands-on all the way; me alone in the studio, with my music and my mind. I find the immediacy and the practicality of being able to do it anytime, anywhere, very fulfilling. And having limitless locations and props for my stories gives me the creative freedom I was dreaming of for years.
Courtesy of Floria Gonzalez
How does fiction play a role in your artistic practice, and what inspires you to create alternate realities in your work?
I love stories, letting loose the imagination and the challenge of searching for the right image and color. I believe that we have the ability to create and alter our own reality. The enigma of life, death, evolution, the truth, and the unknown, inspires me and keeps me going. Music is and always will be a great source of inspiration.
Courtesy of Floria Gonzalez
What emotions or ideas do you aim to evoke through your creations?
I make each painting with a different state of mind, sometimes in calm, sometimes in chaos, always in search of being in the moment of total presence.
Courtesy of Floria Gonzalez
Do you have any specific rituals or practices that help you get into a creative mindset before starting a new artwork or project?
I work mainly in the mornings after my son Indiana goes to school. The first thing I do as I walk into my studio is play music, sit down and look at paintings and photos on the internet or art books for a while. After that, I start to prepare the materials for the painting. I make a hot tea to have during the 5-6 hour process. I stretch and meditate for a few minutes, and then I’m ready to work.
Courtesy of Floria Gonzalez
As an artist living and working in Mexico City, often considered a vibrant art hotspot in Latin America, what has been your experience navigating your career within this dynamic artistic community?
I grew up in a small border town called Acuña. I arrived in Mexico City when I was 16. I have met amazing people throughout the years, such as beautiful artists, musicians, visual artists, dancers, filmmakers, gallery owners, etc. I love that we have great art shows, concerts, and amazing food. I love the city.
Courtesy of Floria Gonzalez
Lastly, do you have any upcoming projects or artistic endeavors that you would like to share with us?
I’m starting an art residency at Projet Moné Studio in NY through July. The work that I make will be in a show called “MIXTAPE,” with my gallery JO-HS in NY on September 5th at 5 pm in the following location: 121 watts street, New York, NY 10013.
Courtesy of Floria Gonzalez
To stay up-to-date with the artist's career, make sure to follow Floria here: Instagram: @floriagonzalez Website: www.floriagonzalez.com
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