Today we’d like to introduce you to Gerardo “Jerry” Silguero.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
My name is Gerardo Eliud Silguero, but all my friends call me Jerry. I am a first generation Mexican-American who grew up in the southern border city of Brownsville, TX. As a child my family and I chased the seasons as migrant farmworkers, so to pass the time out in the fields I began illustrating my surroundings. This pastime evolved into an escape and eventually into my passion. Today I use my art as a tool to protest and retaliate against the injustices oppressing the Latino community. I am a painter (oils and acrylics), screen printer, digital artist, and a sculptor. My work varies in medium because I chose to engage with my audience through as many platforms as possible.
Please tell us about your art.
My art has evolved from resistance art to retaliation art. I no longer believe that it is enough to resist hate, to resist racism, to resist oppression. I believe that it is time for retaliation, and the best way I know how to fight back is through paintings, screen-prints, digital pieces, and sculptures. I document history through surrealist oil paintings because they allow me to capture profound emotion. There are times in which words and photographs alone do not do our sentiments justice; surrealism allows me to truly captivate such feelings. I also screenprint, and I find the repetition of an image to be the best way to educate the public; after all, repetition is the father of all learning. I believe that there is great power in repetition, whether its a wall covered with 40 prints of the same poster or a crowd wearing the same graphic tee during a protest, screenprinting is proof that there is power in unity and numbers. When it comes to digital art, I find that the most powerful aspect about it is the very platform it exists in. The beauty behind digital art is its accessibility and unmatched potential to reach the masses. We live in a digital era, and I believe we’re only going to become more connected. Finally, when I sculpt, its for the very opposite reason for which I create digital art. I sculpt to take up space, figuratively and literally. When I sculpt I do it because I am targeting a controlled group, a group that I know will be present at a given space. If I can take over said space, then I know that my controlled group cannot ignore my art, cannot ignore me. I create art because I no longer believe in resisting; this is how I retaliate; this is how I fight back.
What do you think about the conditions for artists today? Has life become easier or harder for artists in recent years? What can cities like ours do to encourage and help art and artists thrive?
I think every generation of artists has it rough. I think social media has impacted the art world significantly as we have all transformed our social channels into our gallery space. I think we definitely have major advantages that artists before us did not have, especially people of color and women. We are beginning to see more respect and support in a space that was previously dominated by white males. Despite our progress, I strongly believe that there is significant room for improvement and representation of people of color, women, and the LGBTQ community in the art world. I think cities should encourage art in public spaces as murals can often be symbolic of the cities culture.
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
You can find all of my work and future gallery receptions on social media.
You can support my work by purchasing prints, by following me, or by sharing my artwork through your own social media. Exposure is the key to success! Thanks in advance 😉
Contact Info:
- Email: jerry.silguero05@gmail.com
- Instagram: @jerry.silguero
- Facebook: Jerry Silguero
- Twitter: @Jerry Silguero
Image Credit:
Jerry Silguero
Personal photo: Whitney Noel Devin (Instagram @whitneyndevin)
Getting in touch: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
