Saint Xavier University hosted another art showing from January 14th through February 5th at the SXU Art Gallery located in the Warde Academic Center.
The showing displayed artwork from the artist Gabriel Lanza. This exhibit was “A Pause in the Dialogue” which consisted of artwork that was made from a rug making technique. Lanza specializes in taking a rug and making an image out of it.
“This exhibit is about the artist specifically taking a rug making technic so what we used to see back then the function of a rug and when you think about it we step all over it. He took the rug and makes an image out of it he breaks the framing, so he has people that are cut out of traditional rectangles and circles. He is giving it a new meaning,” said Bianca Santoyo.
Gabriel Lanza is an artist dedicated to the present, making artistic decisions fueled by his desire to create. His artwork is typically characterized by folk art and cartoons, but much of his work is graphic design.
An unusual but pleasant medium of work is his textile design, where he creates his images on the carpet. His carpet design include using the techniques of weaving, knotting, and tufting.
Since he was a child, Lanza was mesmerized by stories and growing up in the 80s. The cartoons that he finds most influential include Thundercats and Voltron, which are evident in his current work. The artwork includes a classic cartoon bold line and usually vibrant colors.
“Lanza is highly skillful in his work and moves freely. He has a great grasp of his motivation to keep creating, which many artists struggle with. The gallery artworks demonstrate a consistency in style as well a care for the craft that he creates,” said Alma Tovar.
He wants his artwork to capture a moment in a story. Although it may seem that the artwork is more aimed toward children, there are adult themes that are being discussed within the context of his artwork.
“I think he said that the way he creates his artwork and the images he uses are sort of nostalgic, because they remind him of his childhood. So hence the robots,” said Bianca Santoyo. Textile design major is important to him as an illustrator. Lanza encourages others to do what makes them happy. His creative force is his motivation; he thoroughly believes that others should be in touch with their motivations because he believes that self-driven artists are the most successful.
“I think a lot of what he was saying, [was that] he is very inspired on the spot, so he tends to carry sketchbooks. And he sketches and sometimes he will look back and be like ‘okay I really like that image let me develop it into something further,’ and that is where his process comes from,” said Bianca Santoyo.
When asked what she took away from Lanza’s work, art student Alma Tovar said, “As an art student he made me self-reflect on my own motivation to keep creating. His work reminds me to stay true to what I love creating, rather than what is recommended to create. Sometimes artists do not follow their heart when they should.”
Many people can appreciate that Lanza is more simply dedicated to the creating, whereas most artists may feel that they cannot create artwork for a specific reason. He is not held back by anything due to his motivation.
Kylee Rus
News Editor
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