Inspicio interviews Venezuelan artist Nelson Gonzalez

Inspicio Arts, our sister art publication platform, published a video conversation with artist Nelson Gonzalez, who was selected from an open call to create a monumental sculpture for the City of Doral to celebrate immigration. Gonzalez calls the sculpture “Migrante.”

Gonzalez was born and raised in Maracaibo, Venezuela. He moved more than 20 years ago to Aruba, where he is now a citizen. He believes that Aruba is the perfect place for artists because the isolated island nation drives artists toward learning many skills and assuming many roles in the creation and distribution of their work.

The “Migrante” project has great significance for Gonzalez and the greater immigrant community of Miami. Oranjestad, the capital of Aruba, is a “Sister City” with Doral.

Describing the symbolism of the objects that compose “Migrante,” Gonzalez says, “The ordinary human figure is neither a man nor a woman. It’s placed on a ramp, which represents the American dream of progressive success. The briefcase contains the memories an immigrant takes with them and also represents immigrants’ hopes for success. The paper plane is a metaphorical way to present the migrant’s concept of pitching ideas to others in hopes of becoming part of the community.”

Gonzalez continues to create works of art and generate creative ideas for international audiences. From a very young age, art sparked his interest, and it became a medium for him to convey compelling messages to people worldwide.

Watch the entire interview here.

Katherine Miranda is a senior majoring in broadcast journalism with a music business certificate and dance minor. After graduation she hopes to land a job at a radio station as an art and entertainment journalist.

Sidney Peralta is a digital journalism major. She is interested in social and political news. She would like to pursue a career in the world of political media after she graduates.