Express Yourself is a series showcasing artists as they share how their native country Mexico has inspired their work over the years, garnering them recognition, awards and exhibitions around the globe.
Gennaro Garcia
Born and raised in San Luis Río Colorado, Sonora, award-winning Gennaro’s art marries Italian techniques with a Mexican color palette. He has studied the art of talavera in Puebla and in 2012, his first solo exhibit in San Miguel de Allende debuted. He has participated in more than 60 exhibits in the past four years, including nine solo shows. His art is currently on display in 10 galleries in the United States and two in Mexico. In addition to winning multiple awards, he’s previously partnered with Disney, ventured into the restaurant design space and currently has two filmmakers working on projects about him as an artist, including a short film by Mexican film director Carlos Muñoz.
Instagram: @artegennaro
Proudest achievement: Fatherhood
Favorite piece of work: When You’re Here, a mixed media piece I did last November. There’s something about the combination of colors and the girl in the portrait.
How has Mexico inspired your work? Everything I paint is to represent my Mexican heritage. It’s a responsibility, not a choice.
What does art mean to you? I have a large mural at my studio that reads “You are art” because I think everything and everyone around us is art. Art is living. Art is love. It’s a beautiful thing.
What other artists inspire you? I really mean this when I say every artist inspires me. The fact that they’re creating something is to be admired.