Gilda Garza: Redefining Royalty Through Art

TANGLE TEEZER & DAVROE
3 Липня, 2024
Анастасія Мешкевич: «Можна досягнути всього та отримати приголомшливий успіх у будь-чому, якщо приділяти цьому час, бути дисциплінованим, системним»
3 Липня, 2024

We are thrilled to present an exclusive interview with the exceptionally talented artist Gilda Garza, who graces our Digital Cover. Renowned for her captivating “Kings and Queens” collection, Garza’s work transcends traditional boundaries, melding cultural richness with personal empowerment. Her art not only reflects her profound respect for heritage but also her innovative spirit. In this conversation, we delve into how Garza’s background, family history, and collaborations—particularly with the prestigious Murano Glass—shape her artistic vision and influence the contemporary art landscape. Join us as we explore the creative journey of a visionary who is redefining the intersection of tradition and modernity.

Your “Kings and Queens” collection is rooted in the idea of treating each other like royalty. How do you think this concept can influence social dynamics and relationships in contemporary society?
Art is powerful because it promotes communication between cultures, preserves history, changes people’s opinions, and maintains the feelings of a culture. Art is often considered the archive of a society’s memory. It preserves what it feels like to exist in a particular place at a particular time. My collection “Kings and Queens” represents how we deserve to be treated. It is about feeling empowered, being loved, and being the best version of yourself.

You’ve mentioned the deep respect your grandparents had for each other as an inspiration. How has your family history and heritage influenced other aspects of your art?
My heritage is a blend of stories, colors, and resilience. The heartbeat of my ancestry comes from my grandfather, Luis J. Garza. He was a farmer, sharecropper, businessman, banker, and philanthropist. His character stood out in every activity he undertook, mainly due to his enormous work ethic and impeccable honesty. He founded the El Vergel Wine Company, famously known as Brandi Viejo Vergel, selecting vine varieties from North Africa, Europe, and California that adapted to the land in the desert of central North of Mexico in the region called lagoon. Big names worked for his brand, such as Antonio Banderas, Anthony Quinn, Julio Iglesias, and many more from the golden age.

I feel very proud of where I come from. I learned the process of winemaking, types of grapes, and everything about wine history since I was a child. You can see the reflection of wine glasses in my paintings, and I also have a collection of the best wines in the world. My research into this field has been appreciated by art collectors.

Your artwork reflects a balance between tradition and innovation. How do you maintain this balance while staying true to your personal artistic vision?
My paintings are characterized by their ornate, decorative style, intricate patterns, bold colors, and elaborate symbolism. That’s my style. I explore different mediums and have collaborated with more than 30 artists around the globe, where we share our ideas. It’s fun to do this and open your mind to different perspectives. As an artist, it is essential to stay true to your vision. Don’t let criticism or rejection make you second-guess yourself or change your artistic style. Instead, use it as motivation to push even harder and create work that is truly authentic to you. Take inspiration from artists who have stayed true to their vision.

Working with Murano Glass is a significant achievement. What were some of the unique challenges and rewards you encountered while merging your artistic style with this ancient glassmaking tradition?
Murano Glass is special because it has been an art form on Murano Island in Venice, Italy, for over a thousand years. It is famous for being handmade by highly skilled master artisans. Each item they create is a work of art. Murano is a family business inherited from generation to generation. Murano glassmakers were so highly valued that they were forbidden to leave Venice, and those who tried faced severe penalties.

The art of making Murano glass involves techniques passed down through generations, including methods for creating stunning multicolored glass. That’s why it is hard to be part of Murano. I am very grateful to New Murano for giving me this opportunity to build a new story, bringing Mexico into this historic art. I have new projects with New Murano; this is just the beginning and keeps me inspired to bring out the best in this iconic collaboration.

Inst: @gildagarza007