Creative, Inspirational, Visionary EntrepreneurTHE MODERN RENAISSANCE MANSERGIO GOMEZ

Zhou Brothers

 “Sergio is a dreamer, dedicated, visionary and charismatic. "Sergio Gomez has played an important role in the development of the Zhou B Art Center. The Center started from nothing, bare bones to one of the most important art institutions and Sergio was instrumental in this development. He came in with a belief and the vision of what the Zhou B Art Center could and would be. He is the Director of exhibitions at the Zhou B Art Center and has curated hundreds of important shows, among them is the National Wet Paint MFA show and the Self Portrait show. He is a dedicated artist and sets an inspirational example for many young, aspiring and established artists through cultivation of his dedication, passion and love for art."

IN THE BEGINNING

Sergio Gomez was born in the city of Puebla, which is about a two-hour drive from Mexico City. A few years after Sergio was born, his family moved back to Mexico City were his parents raised an older brother and him. Mexico City was an incredible place for Sergio with so much culture all around him.

Sergio reflects back “Despite being surrounded by culture and museums, I never met a living artist while I lived there. All I knew about was the famous Mexican artists we studied at school such as Tamayo, Rivera, Ziqueiros, Khalo and others. I had no idea I could have a career in art. I always say that my art career started in church because my dad was a church minister and we would be in church activities often each week.” To keep Sergio entertained, his mother would give him a pen and note cards. Sergio would make these small drawings and then give them to his aunts who loved to collect them. At school, Sergio would volunteer to make the posters for holiday festivities yet an art career never entered his mind. When asked, Sergio always replies he wanted to be an architect because he loved drawing buildings and structures.

In 1988, Sergio’s parents moved the family to a Chicago suburb. There, Sergio started as a sophomore in high school and joined the art club. Since English was a new language for Sergio, he used art to connect with his peers. A high school teacher recognized Sergio’s art interest and artistic talents. Mr. Larson was played a significant role in directing Sergio to college and for the first time to think about an art career. That eventually led Sergio to join Joliet Junior College, The School of the Art Institute of Chicago, Governors State University and finally Northern Illinois University were Sergio received his Master of Fine Arts. 

Sergio the Visual Artists

While Sergio was in Joliet Junior College, he discovered that he was really attracted to computers and graphic design. Sergio started working in the Media department at the college and learned to layout pages and basic computer graphics.  From that point Sergio decided he wanted to pursue graphic design as much as painting and drawing. Throughout college Sergio struggled to decide which direction to pursue so he decided to go after both interest. Sergio shares “I had the fortune to always find work as a graphic designer as I did my studies. The employment opportunity gave him a wealth of experience and confidence in the field of graphic design.” At the end of Sergio’s MFA studies he focus was painting and drawing.

At the beginning Sergio was inspired by his bi-cultural background as a Mexican-American. His earliest paintings explored themes of identity and immigration as he tried to come to terms with his own identify. This is a common theme among first generation immigrant artists. Once Sergio settled in his head who he was, he realized he needed a broader language. For the last fourteen years, Sergio has focused on exploring the natural cycle of life from birth to death and the spiritual awareness through out life’s journey

Sergio records and documents the passage of time which he started by documenting his children’s physical growth. However the works are not literal depictions of the people he paints. Instead, they are abstracted and simplified to become universal symbols of our existence and common experiences.

Tell us the person(s) you believe were significant to mentoring and/or providing guidance and advice to your art career.

“I have had wonderful mentors over the years. In high school Mr Larson was the reason I pursued an art education. My college professors who invested in me and helped me grow include Joe Miloseivch (JJC), Susan Kraut (SAIC), Joyce Morishita, Mary Bookwalter, (GSU), Yale Factor and Frank Trankinia (NIU) to mention a few.”

At this stage in your career do you still have mentors and advisors you seek advice from?

“Over the years I have pursued mentors in all areas of life. It is one of my personal priorities to have mentors in business, personal and spiritual life. I believe in learning from the experience of others.”

33 Contemporary Gallery 

Since college, Sergio always wanted to open his own art gallery. When Sergio was finishing his MFA and moved to the Zhou B Art Center, Sergio invited his closest artists friends to join him in opening a new space for them to show and work. Sergio shares “Carla Carr, Javier Chavira, Kimberly Haron and I opened the space in 2004 called 33 Collective Gallery. We choose the name because we were 33 years old.” 

Over the years, the gallery has gone through many changes and re-inventions. Eventually Sergio’s my wife (Dr. Yanina Gomez) and he became sole proprietors. That’s when the name became known as 33 Contemporary Gallery. Last year, the Gomez team rebranded the space as Art NXT Level Projects and they also changed the way they operate. The Gomez team now mostly show projects chosen by the many submissions that are received. 

“Tons! Having a behind the scenes expertise into what it takes to run a gallery is a big plus in understanding how to approach the art market as an artist. Not only it gives you insight but also helps you manage your career with the mindset of the gallery system. At the end of the day, a gallery has to fulfill its mission and that is what is very difficult to do. There are so many amazing and talented artists in the world but not enough art galleries to do justice to the wealth of talent out there. It is hard to make selections and to say “yes” to some projects and “no” to others but its part of the job. In that sense I have learned not to take it personal when my work as an artist is not selected for a show or a proposal not approved. It’s part of the process. Take it for what it is and move on.” 

Sergio as Curator & Director of Exhibitions for Zhou B Art Center

When Sergio moved to the Zhou B Art Center, there was only columns and lots if empty space. The Zhou Brothers had just started renovating the building. His first five years there Sergio spent building his gallery, his studio and organizing the Zhou B Art Center 3rd Fridays. Eventually that changed after Sergio curated the first National Wet Paint MFA Biennial in 2010. Thereafter, Sergio started curating exhibits regularly until becoming Director of Exhibitions for the Zhou B Art Center. The roll has significantly impacted his career in many ways. Managing over 10,000 square feet of space on a monthly basis is a big challenge but it has giving Sergio an advantage point on learning to deal with space, installations, artists and the general public on a large scale. Sergio says “It has been wonderful to say the least.”

Did you have a mentor to assist you in developing your curatorial expertise or did you learn on the job?  Or both?

“I have always have had mentors that I look up to but the nuts and bolts are learned by doing. I believe a good mentor points you in the right direction but you have to make the decisions, mistakes and gains in order to learn from your own efforts. When I visit museums or galleries and when I travel, I am always looking at how curators work their projects. I find it fascinating.”

"My strength, I believe, is the network of people I have built over the years. Building relational capital has been my priority in the last couple years.”

Did you have a mentor to assist you in developing your curatorial expertise or did you learn on the job?  Or both?

“I have always have had mentors that I look up to but the nuts and bolts are learned by doing. I believe a good mentor points you in the right direction but you have to make the decisions, mistakes and gains in order to learn from your own efforts. When I visit museums or galleries and when I travel, I am always looking at how curators work their projects. I find it fascinating.”

"My strength, I believe, is the network of people I have built over the years. Building relational capital has been my priority in the last couple years.”

Sergio Curating International Exhibits

When, where and how did you start curating internationally?

“The first international curatorial opportunity came in 2012. It was an exhibition called Art/Energy/Future to commemorate the International Year of Sustainable Energy at the Regional Museum of Natural Science in the heart of Turin, Italy. It was the first time I had to think about the logistics of shipping around 50 works overseas by ocean. The exhibition was a success and others have followed in Mexico, Vienna and back to Italy twice.”

Tell us about curatorial experiences at Art Basel Miami.

“It has been a great experience going to Art Basel Miami for the last few years. First, I went to see what it was all about and to get a feel for the many fairs that come to Miami. Then I curated exhibits for my gallery (33 Contemporary) for two years in a row. The last couple years I have returned to write features, do talks and simply network. This year, I am co-curating a show with Didi Menendez at Sirona Fine Arts Gallery in Miami during Art Basel Week. The show is titled Chevere. Didi and I are very excited about the artists we have lined up for the show.”

Sergio Curating International Exhibits

When, where and how did you start curating internationally?

“The first international curatorial opportunity came in 2012. It was an exhibition called Art/Energy/Future to commemorate the International Year of Sustainable Energy at the Regional Museum of Natural Science in the heart of Turin, Italy. It was the first time I had to think about the logistics of shipping around 50 works overseas by ocean. The exhibition was a success and others have followed in Mexico, Vienna and back to Italy twice.”

 Tell us about curatorial experiences at Art Basel Miami.

“It has been a great experience going to Art Basel Miami for the last few years. First, I went to see what it was all about and to get a feel for the many fairs that come to Miami. Then I curated exhibits for my gallery (33 Contemporary) for two years in a row. The last couple years I have returned to write features, do talks and simply network. This year, I am co-curating a show with Didi Menendez at Sirona Fine Arts Gallery in Miami during Art Basel Week. The show is titled Chevere. Didi and I are very excited about the artists we have lined up for the show.”

Read about the ACS Magazine Special Edition Turin Italy exhibit curated by Sergio Gomez at http://www.acs-mag.com/special-editions

Sergio, College Instructor

Tells us about your journey as a college instructor? Does your career as a college instructor influence and inspire you as an artist?

“I loved educating and inspiring artists at various levels of their career. When I walk into a classroom I remember when I was at that point in my career and I needed inspiration. I remember those who came before me and taught me to work hard. I aim to do the same when I teach. Motivation and drive needs to be foster in the classroom. Mediocrity is just about everywhere including the art world. I love the dynamics of the classroom; I also get a lot of energy that eventually affects my own art practice. Every small community is an inspiration for me to do the work I do. At the same time, teaching is very time consuming so I have learned to manage my time in order to take care of my studio practice, teaching, gallery, curatorial and other things I have to do.”

Sergio shares "Here is a picture of my amazing crew of talented High School kids at Bloom Trail High. They did most of the work. It is based on empowerment using their own ideas and sketches. We knock it down in five hours live in the school hallway. Special thanks to Tiffany Insalaco and Alexis Renehan Gowan for inviting me over!!!

Sergio, Creative Entrepreneur

"My best advice for anyone out there involved in contemporary art and culture is embrace change, get up and help build the future.”

Since every artist isn’t a business person where does all this creative entrepreneurial curiosity stem from? Did you know in the beginning of your career that you would be such an entrepreneur?

“I have no clue where I got the entrepreneurial bug. Haha! I don’t remember ever thinking about being an entrepreneur. I guess I just walked into it first without realizing it. Then, it was very much a conscious choice and an understanding of what that means. We live in a commercial world and we need to understand how to be active in that exchange.”

Tells us about your path toward creating your Art NXT Level venture.  Explain what it is.

The Art NXT Level combines professional development resources, a supportive community of driven artists who are determined to succeed in their art career and a platform to share with peers your professional struggles, gains and experiences. The Gomez team provides practical, professional and strategic advice to professional artists. Since both Yanina and Sergio have a passion for thriving communities, they decided to joined forces last January to start the Art NXT Level program. Yanina’s expertise as a doctor in Psychology and Sergio’s expertise as artist/curator/entrepreneur combine to create a unique approach for helping artists succeed. The Gomez team both believe in transforming the individual holistically from the inside out. We also have a weekly podcast called the Art NXT Level Podcast where they interview artists, curators, and other professionals. Their main and newest program is an online based membership community where the Gomez team works with artists via the web-based platform and provide resources, advice, accountability and a community of like-minded individuals.  Sergio shares  “Yanina and I are very excited to have artists from Chicago, NYC, Germany, Canary Islands, Canada and more. From the surface, every artists wants to succeed. However, not everyone wants to do the work necessary to succeed and make it to their next level. We love to help artists get there by providing the tools, the strategy and the wellness component to be optimistic and challenged. Everyone in the community has different and unique goals. That is the way it should be. A cookie-cutter approach is not what we do.”

 Tells us about your path toward creating you’re the Amplified Art Network.

“AmplifiedArtNetwork.com was born as an idea to connect like-minded art professionals from around the world that want to see their projects flourish and who also want to connect with other professionals involved in the art world. I believe in connecting people together with a similar purpose in mind. This web-based project allows us to share our projects, news and information while we share and amplified the projects of others. The idea is also to see collaboration taking place out of the network.”

Name three visual artists that you admired and assisted in shaping your career.

“There are so many artists I have admired along the way. Lets see…  Working along side the Zhou Brothers has been wonderful. To see their career take off to the level of international recognition has had an impact in my own career as well. The level of commitment to their vision is inspiring. My former professor Joyce Morishita has been an amazing supporter of my career. Now also becoming a close friend to the family. She really helped me get on track and have a balanced career. Lastly is not a single person but the many rtists I have worked with in the last fifteen years. I have learned so many things from so many different people at different stages in my career. Being part of an art community and participating in it has allowed me to grow exponentially.

With all the different hats you wear at this stage of your career what are challenges moving forward (if any) and your strengths as you move toward s new frontiers?

“There are always challenges when you are trying to move forward. However, these challenges are excited to face because they force you to strategize and adapt. Being able to manage it all is a big challenge right now. What used to be simple now becomes a lot more time consuming. When I was only planning local shows was easier than now planning international shows and dealing with customs, imports and all that stuff I did not know before. The challenge is to eventually let go of some of the things that are not essential or important for me at this stage of my career to focus on the things I really want to grow.  My strength, I believe, is the network of people I have built over the years. Building relational capital has been my priority in the last couple years.”

In this rapidly changing landscape of the art world, how do you see the art world evolving? What is your best advice for emerging to professional artists, curators, gallerist and art administrations?

“I see the art world changing as it always has. In my lifetime, I have seen strong galleries become weak and vice versa. I have seen the establishment hold on tight to the last things they have control of. I have seen contemporary art have its day at the auction house. I have seen social media take over our lives and provide same access to artists and collectors alike. I have seen the rise of the artist entrepreneur and the enormous growth of the art fair market. I have seen the monopoly of the big museums and much more. That is old news now. What really makes me excited is that I have seen young artists, collectors, entrepreneurs, gallerists, curators and other cultural workers come in with new and innovative ideas that challenge the establishment. I see a new wave of movement, sharing of resources, and alliances taking place at the grass root level outside of the main institutions. I see the rise of open collaborations and relational capital. That is what I am excited about!  My best advice for anyone out there involved in contemporary art and culture is embrace change, get up and help build the future.”

Art NXT Level  |  www.theartistnextlevel.com

33 Contemporary Gallery  |  www.33contemporary.com

Zhou B Art Center  |  www.zhoubartcenter.com

Sergio Gomez Studio  |  www.sergiogomezonline.com

Blog  |  sergiogomezart.wordpress.com