Each chapter will feature a conversation between the most remarkable artists from Latin America and Latinx in the U.S. and our MOLAA Chief Curator Gabriela Urtiaga. Together we will focus on a series or specific artwork which requires a close inspection, a deliberate process of contemplation, and exploration; delving into the ideas surrounding the creation of the works, their sources of research and inspiration, in an effort to immerse ourselves in the world of the artists.
Join Chapter #29 of the MOLAA Zoom Project, where MOLAA's Chief Curator Gabriela Urtiaga will join artist Yolanda Gonzalez for a conversation.
Yolanda Gonzalez
Photograph by Juan Escobedo.
Yolanda González (USA, 1964)
Yolanda González was born into a family whose artistic heritage dates back to 1877. Her world is one of curiosity, demonstrating her love of people and their surroundings. González’s travels in different countries, the bonds forged with individuals in those places, and the resulting transformative experiences are reflected in her art and her life. She is known for her strong, bold brush strokes of color and texture, intent on evoking imagination and emotion.
González studied at the Pasadena Art Center College of Design after winning a painting competition that awarded her a scholarship to the prestigious school. This led her to Self-Help Graphics, an involvement that lasted for years and resulted in her being sent to Spain and Scotland as a representative for exhibitions in those countries. Over the years, she has exhibited her works in solo and group exhibitions across the United States, throughout Europe, and in South Africa.
In 1998, she was an artist in residence in Ginza, Japan followed by a similar stint in Assisi, Italy during 1999. Among the many museums that have shown her work are the Armand Hammer Museum, The Geffen Contemporary at MOCA, the Japanese American National Museum and the Diego Rivera Museum in México City. Though out the years González has taught at Inner City Arts, Para Los Ninos, Plaza de La Raza, Crenshaw Christian Center, MOCA and Alta Med.
Gonzalez has participated in exhibitions in Russia, Japan, Scotland, France, Spain, Italy, Africa, Alaska and throughout the USA. Museums that have shown her work include The Musee d'Aquitaine, Bordeaux, France; San Diego Contemporary Museum, California, USA; Armand Hammer Museum, California, USA; Temporary Contemporary Museum; Japanese American National Museum, California, USA; Chicago Museum, IL, USA; Santa Monica Museum, California, USA; Laguna Art Museum, California, USA; Diego Rivera Museum; Latino Museum; Corpus Christi Museum, Texas, USA; Museum of Monterey, California, USA; and Snite Museum of Art, Indiana, USA.