Orlando Voyager Magazine: Today we’d like to introduce you to Alberto Gómez-Gómez .

​

DG: Alberto, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.

AGG: Since the tender age of six, I dreamed of being an artist. It was a classmate, who had epilepsy and drew beautifully who inspired

me. I was born in Colombia (not Columbia), and the United States granted me a visa for “Extraordinary Abilities.” Now, my family and I
are citizens, and we vote. My mind and heart feel art in all its forms: lines, tones, shapes, spots, and colors. Art overwhelms me; it’s
inevitable. I wanted to give it up, but I couldn’t, I can’t, and I don’t want to. I always see that when my body is doing something
unrelated to painting, like cleaning a floor with a sponge, I realize that I am preparing my hands to handle better a brush, a needle to
etch, and a pencil to draw. I always play; that’s what art and life are about. I cry easily when beauty touches me through Poetry, Music,
Painting, or kindness.

I was a Professor of Art History; I enjoyed it, and that passion stayed with me. I have many “fathers” in art, but the most important is
Diego Velázquez, whom I “met” thanks to the Teacher who taught me the most, Manuel Reyes. He died and was not known or
recognized by anyone. I like the Baroque, but even more the Mannerism.

Yet, my paramount muse remains my mother; she navigated through oceans of parallel realities, captain of a vessel battered by storms
and calms, under skies of profound melancholies and suns of vivid euphorias. Amidst her tempests, she glimpsed “realities” visible
solely to her. As a progeny, her vision became my window to the art.

Dreams come without invitation; they flow without a pause. On one of those nights, I entered Leonardo Da Vinci’s studio (although I
didn’t see him). He was teaching me the laws of perspective’s depth. Another time, I dreamed of going to a farmers’ market of my
childhood with Diego Rivera. I also dreamed that Leonardo and Michelangelo were born in Puerto Rico. Frida, Sorolla, and many
other artists have also visited me in my dreams.

I keep dreaming of being a good artist. I am an “I” constructed by many beings, starting with my parents, family, and our selected
family, our friends. I declare that I am a social construct. It is impossible to name that multitude. But I feel in a state of gratitude for
each one of them! I love my four children: three sons, a daughter, and the youngest. The oldest studied Political Science and lives in
the Basque Country. The second is an Artist who lives between Connecticut and NY, where he is an Art Professor. He gave us our
beloved grandson, who has been an essential addition to our family and a key collaborator to our project, with his Digital Arts
expertise; the third is a Graphic Designer who also repairs boats, and the youngest has great sensitivity for color and writing. Thanks
to our daughter and her request, we made a small altar for my mother. My parents were hardworking and brave, examples of humanity,
solidarity, and brotherhood.

​

I have learned to love each of our children’s partners, they are beautiful and valuable human beings. To them, again, goes my
declaration of love and gratitude. I am an artist who is also indebted to the love of a wonderful woman, the human being who has
loved me the most and whom I have loved the most, Luz Stella, who chose me as her husband. She is more than half what I do; she
pours her heart and soul into sculpting the success of every exhibition and creation. She manages the home, coordinates everything,
and even coordinates me. I am always amazed and so grateful to her. Sometimes, it is unimaginable what is behind each event; for
example, a vivid illustration of her integral role is seen in our community mural projects. I am on the wall, but she organizes the
children, paints, brushes, food, drinks, and everything required! Luz Stella’s support has shaped not just my art, but my view of the
world.

We have painted 32 murals in different states in the United States. In a juvenile detention center in Daytona Beach, FL; for Partners of
the Americas in Washington DC, that mural was exhibited at the Pentagon for two months after 9/11; for the American Cancer Society
in Pinellas Park, FL; the National Dance Institute in Santa Fe, NM; the Boys and Girls Club in Grand Rapids, MI. The other 26 murals
were made in schools, hospitals, churches, non-profit institutions, private institutions, and libraries in Florida. We have participated in
more than 100 collective and individual exhibitions, some of which were just outstanding, like the one organized by the Crealde
School of Art, the mayor’s office of Orlando, and the University of Central Florida.

Working with brushes and colors on canvas, wood, paper, metal, or any other surface, being an artist is weaving dreams with the gift
that life has put in our hands. Incredulous people ask, in Spanish and English, if you work besides painting. And I answer with a smile
in every stroke, color, and silence because I work in what I dream and love. Every mural, painting, and print has a piece of my being. I
appreciate every commission as a gift, as in the case of Terry Olson and his beloved Robin, who celebrate with a party the signing of
the work I painted with love for their home. Furthermore, they share it with the public. Supporting the artist is honoring their creativity
and talent. I feel fortunate and privileged when given a new job or when one that has already been created with my essence is
acquired; my sincerest thanks! More than 44 years ago, I received a beautiful teaching, like a meditation, from a Master from India,
which was a marvel. I always read novels, poetry, and biographies about art, artists, and movements. Luz Stella says that our house in
Deltona, Volusia County, is a workshop with beds.

DG: Let’s dig deeper into the story – has it been an easy path, and if not, what challenges have you overcome?

AGG: As an art enthusiast with a fondness for the finer strokes of human expression, I must convey the essence of an individual who

has not merely dabbled in the arts but has devoted his existence to this noble pursuit. For over four decades—forty-four years, to be
precise—this soul has lived the artist’s life. Indeed, such a journey is filled with trials often unseen by most or even unknown to close
friends. To truly comprehend this path, one might reflect upon the hearty trials of Vincent Van Gogh, whose saga is well-known
amongst those who cherish the art world. His tale is one of poignant sacrifices, selling but a solitary piece from the approximately 900
masterpieces created during his lifetime. Yet today, each of his works is priceless, commanding millions for its inherent genius. Before

I embraced my identity as an artist, I grappled with a dire ultimatum: to paint or to starve. I jest lightly when I say I am slightly
overfed. And yet, we have certainly had to endure vehemently trying times. Oh, the irony that unfolds! Here in the USA, more of my
artworks have found homes than in any other land. My time here has been the most fruitful of my life, with 32 murals contributing to
this era—a testament to prolific achievement. The exhibitions here have been the most beautiful in their splendor and multitude. Yet,
amidst this bounty of fulfillment, the one discordant note has been the financial aspect. I fervently hope to witness the fruits of
economic success in this country and while I still walk this earth to bask in the fruits of my labor in the full flush of life, rather than
have prosperity dawn upon my legacy posthumously. This land has nurtured not just my art but my family: three of our four children
have been educated here, one ascending to the esteemed halls of Pratt to secure a master’s degree, the third one and our grandchild
have delved into the realm of Digital Arts, offering invaluable assistance, and crafting exquisite videos (our granchild is the talent
behind the photograph featuring myself and Luz Stella).

We have savored the majestic tapestry of Great Art housed within both grand cosmopolitan and quaint municipal museums. We’ve
been fortunate enough to cross paths with individuals of remarkable beauty and substance; our friends are of extraordinary caliber. I
am somewhat reluctant to delve into the darker chapters of our existence. However, in grasping the editorial direction of the magazine
and drawing from my insights as an artist, I recognize that darkness is intrinsic to the existence of light; without one, the other loses
meaning, and harmony cannot be achieved.

It is no secret that our country of birth was besieged by a ruthless war for over half a century, a time when merely uttering words like
‘democracy’ or ‘justice’ could brand you as a terrorist, a guerrilla fighter, or at the very least a ‘communist.’ We are all intimately
familiar with the nuances, laughter, and expressions of our loved ones. One day, the telephone rang back when they were tethered to
walls by cords. Luz Stella answered, only to emit the most piercing scream I have ever heard. I was in another room, but in a
heartbeat, I was at her side. The ELN had cold-bloodedly murdered her father with six shots at point-blank range in front of his wife,
who succumbed to alcoholism two years later. This guerrilla group has proven to be the most challenging in achieving peace; they are
currently negotiating with the progressive government.

On a personal front, I’ve received death threats from an amalgam of extreme right-wing groups conjoined with elements from within
the state—military, secret police, drug lords, landowners, corrupt figures of every level—who elected a president who manipulated
laws to secure his re-election. The subsequent corruption was so rampant that the secret police force had to be dissolved. Many of its
ministers now languish in prison or are fugitives from international justice. During this malign figure’s two administrations, our
country witnessed the most horrific numbers of disappearances, tortures, fatalities, displacements, and genocide; he is now evading
every possible legal proceeding within Colombia. His battalion of lawyers is indisputably well-employed. Due to this turmoil, my
family and I sought asylum in the United States.” I am ceaselessly grateful—particularly to my wife, Luz Stella, whose unwavering
strength and resolve have been nothing short of foundational. Her support has been profound, risking so much in the belief of my

vision. I extend my profound appreciation to my children, my grandchild, and all the friends who have stood steadfastly by our side,
supporting us in myriad ways.

Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on? What do you do?
As a visual arts practitioner, I possess an insatiable ocular palate, a voraciousness of vision, if you will. My eyes, as well as my
intellect, are greedy for imagery—they yearn to absorb the entirety of the world’s aesthetic offerings. My heart infuses my work with
its essential passion and delicate sensitivity, and on occasion, it allows me to imbue my creations with a touch of tenderness. Indeed, I
am an artist with an unquenchable thirst, driven by a desire to render all the beauty surrounding me onto my canvas.

​

DG: What do you specialize in?

​

AGG: As an eager person, I want, presumptuously, to try to do what the classical artists did, from a mural to a small etching; Peter Paul
Rubens is an example of that.

​

DG: What are you known for?

​

AGG: I am known (boastfully, on my part) for the same 44-year production, from a mural to a small etching. I am a Muralist, Printmaker,
and a Portraitist.

DG: What are you most proud of?

AGG: A father with his mind and heart in good condition will say that he loves his children without distinction, whether they are the
youngest or the oldest. We pay more attention to our children according to their needs. I am fascinated by making murals, of course, as
well as a small engraving that must be done with a needle. Similarly, I am knowledgeable about and skilled in various techniques from
a wide range of art, such as sanguine, ink, gouache, pastels, watercolor, graphite pencil, colored pencils, silverpoint, pens, flowers,
clay, blood, or acrylic, which is so versatile. Every one of the works on different surfaces produces in me a feeling akin to that of a
father (apologies for the cliché). I also feel so proud to see the authentic reactions of people and the respect they show when delivering
a work of art.

​

DG: What sets you apart from others?

AGG: “My wife had the idea of posing this question to our friend, the curator, and the artist herself, Barbara Tiffany, who with exaggerated
generosity wrote the following.” “Regarding the artwork created by Alberto Gomez. Having curated and installed his works in two
galleries at Crealde School of Art, I can easily say this about the artist, the man. Alberto puts his entire being into everything he
creates, from the smallest drawing to his largest murals. His heart is first for the love of humanity: diverse cultures, ages, livelihoods,
and families. You, the observer, will immediately feel a connection as if you, too, are a part of his family. His dreams are revealed. His
feelings – happy or sad because he is empathic with what he sees and knows. These feelings come through easily because he

understands how to convey the message. His drawing is masterful, and so is his painting technique. He seems to move across the
canvas easily, but it is from so many years of creating the work. He was born into it and will never stop. Alberto’s work is compelling,
engaging, and magical. You will find many historical references in his murals as he honors writers, poets, and political figures, as well
as the history of a culture. Barbara Tiffany”

DG: Do you have any big plans? What are your plans for the future?

AGG:  First and foremost, it is imperative to continue drawing and painting to create more works of art. In collaboration with the Consulate
of Mexico under the leadership of Consul Juan Sabines and his esteemed wife, Isa Aguilera, we have planned to create a mural
alongside sons and daughters of immigrants. Moreover, we intend to conduct a lecture on “The Influence of Mexico on Colombian
Culture” and display at their headquarters the mural commissioned by the CREALDE School of Art entitled “In America.”
Additionally, my agenda includes staging a couple of solo exhibitions. The aim is to finalize and execute further proposals for
exhibitions and murals in the area. Finally, some commitments to create family portrait commissions must be met with great care and
attention to detail.

DG: What are you looking forward to or planning for? Are there any big changes?

​

AGG: The pandemic thwarted two exhibitions we had fervently anticipated in Germany and Switzerland, which we are now keen to rekindle.
We also plan to remodel our combined home and studio. Equally on the horizon is the exhilarating prospect of engaging in various
cultural endeavors in collaboration with the Department of Cundinamarca in Colombia. Thanks to the cultural advocacy and proposals
of a journalist and cultural promoter, Enrique Molano— who spent many years residing in the area and was the proprietor of a
Spanish-language broadcasting station— we, alongside the Colombian artist Alberto Quintero, find ourselves proverbially ‘adopted’
by both the Governor of Cundinamarca and the Mayor of Tocaima.

​

Our gratitude goes to David Garcia, Orlando Voyager Magazine, for his interest in finding inspiring stories, and to Eduardo Osegueda for suggesting Alberto Gómez-Gómez to be interviewed for this outstanding segment.​