It Feels Like I Was Already Here

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Title of Event:
It Feels Like I Was Already Here. Sergio Gomez Solo Exhibition

Sergio Gomez is an established Chicago-based artist and curator. In It Feels Like I Was Already Here, Gomez presents his largest solo exhibition to date featuring painting and drawing works at the Zhou B Art Center where Sergio first established his studio and currently is curator and Director of Exhibitions.

“When first entering an exhibit of Sergio’s work, it is experienced that the temporal world is his mental metaphor. The embodied qualities of visual language are there for broader interpretation and encouragement for the viewer. There, the artist enlists participation with the mysterious transcendental journey” Laura Frazier.

It Feels Like I Was Already Here combines Gomez’s figurative abstraction paintings often reflecting on the human condition along with large-scale charcoal drawings exploring social issues such as immigration, poverty and the environment. Gomez’s richly worked surfaces tracing the essence or impression of personhood provide a visual reminder of our corporal presence while evoking a sense of spiritual transcendence.

This exhibition presents Gomez as both an artist and curator simultaneously. His career for the last 11 years has been closely associated with the rise of the art community in Chicago’s south side. Starting with Bridgeport Third Fridays, which Sergio established for the first time in November of 2004, to his many curatorial exhibitions that bring hundreds of visitors to the Zhou B Art Center each month, Gomez continues to push art forward in Chicago and abroad. He is also known for his entrepreneurial spirit and his continued efforts to build a sense of community wherever he goes.

"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." Zhou Brothers.

About Sergio Gomez
Sergio Gomez is a Chicago based visual artist and creative entrepreneur. He received a Master of Fine Arts degree from Northern Illinois University. Sergio’s work has been subject of solo exhibitions in the United States, Italy, Mexico and Vienna. He has participated in numerous group exhibitions in Spain, Sweden, Cairo, London, Korea, Mexico and the US. His work can be found in private and public collections of the National Museum of Mexican Art, Brauer Art Museum, and the MIIT Museo Internazionale Italia Arte among other public and private collections.

Currently, Sergio Gomez is the owner and director of 33 Contemporary Gallery, Curator/Director of Exhibitions at the Zhou B. Art Center, contributor for Italia Arte Magazine, Art/Design faculty at South Suburban College, Creative Consultant for Idea Seat Marketing and Advertising, co-founder of the Art NXT Level Strategic Community and founder of Amplified Art Network. His weekly Artist Next Level podcast inspires and educates contemporary artists. Sergio has curated special projects for the Chicago Park District, ArtSpot Miami International Art Fair during Art Basel Miami (2013, 2014), National Museum of Mexican Art, and ExpoChicago (2014) among others.

About the Zhou B Art Center
The Zhou B Art Center was founded in 2004 by the internationally acclaimed Zhou Brothers. Located in Bridgeport, the Zhou B Art Center's mission is to promote and facilitate a cultural dialogue by organizing contemporary art exhibitions and programs of international scope. As a Center created by artists, for artists, the vision of the Center is to facilitate the exchange of contemporary art between Chicago and the international art community and promote the convergence of Eastern and Western art forms in the United States.

Event information:

Type of Event: Art Opening
Exhibitions Dates: August 19 to September 10, 2016
Opening Date/Reception: Friday, August 19, 2016
Time: 7 pm to 10 pm

Location:

Zhou B Art Center 1029 W. 35th St, Chicago, IL 60609
Gallery Hours: Monday through Saturday 10am to 5pm.
Contact: 773-523-0200
Website: www.zhoubartcenter.com