George Rodriguez
Bio
Nacido y criado en la ciudad fronteriza de El Paso, TX, George Rodríguez crea esculturas cerámicas altamente ornamentadas, a menudo subrayadas por una conexión con temas sociopolíticos. Sus figuras guardianas, esculturas funerarias e instalaciones conmemoran y construyen comunidad. Sus proyectos más recientes incluyen una instalación permanente en el nuevo Aeropuerto Internacional de Kansas City, un mural comunitario de azulejos en The Clay Studio en Filadelfia, y una escultura pública al aire libre en CASA de Maryland, una organización de defensa de los inmigrantes en Baltimore. Sus esculturas forman parte de las colecciones del Museo Nacional de Arte Mexicano en Chicago, IL; la Galería Renwick del Museo Smithsonian de Arte Americano en Washington D.C., y el Museo Nacional en Estocolmo, Suecia, entre otros. Rodríguez tiene una licenciatura en Bellas Artes de la Universidad de Texas en El Paso y una maestría en Bellas Artes de la Universidad de Washington en Seattle. Actualmente es Profesor Asistente en la Tyler School of Art and Architecture en Filadelfia.
Statement
I am a visual artist and ceramic sculptor who draws on inspiration from my Mexican American upbringing and experience with global travel. Visualized with ornament, humor and reverence for cultural celebration, my art builds bridges between cultures and presents connection to the past.
I work with an ancient material to address my contemporary experience. Ceramics is an art form uniquely tactile and malleable. I employ this material in its most traditional sculptural capacity to present complex social issues of inclusivity, community, and self-reflection.
Through the creation of guardian figures, tomb sculptures, and shrines, I depict my community current and forthcoming. I hope to bring these objects—ancient relics that transcend time—into the present. They carry hope and loss, acceptance and challenge, ornament and simplicity.
I love decoration! I enjoy how heavy decoration can seem parasitic, yet it beckons to be adored and looked at. Decoration adds a layer of stimulation to an object. It’s intended to give pleasure. The more intently you look, the more rewarding it will be.
Additional information
Battle Ready showcases the continued struggle that trans folk face within the military. They join a community to help protect the nation, yet they face discrimination and marginalization from within. This sculpture, poised in salute, presents the trans flag on one arm and the American flag on the other.
