Alejandro Medina Gómez (AMG) masterfully captures the dualities and fluidities of life—individual versus collective, historical versus modern, fleeting versus enduring. His vibrant color palette and symbolic depth invite viewers to explore the intersections of identity, culture, and personal experience. Each piece stands as a testament to AMG's ability to fuse humor, nostalgia, and critical reflection, transforming traditional symbols into a contemporary language that speaks to the complexities of our world.
"Symbols in Flux" – Featuring Alejandro Medina Gómez (AMG)
IF6WAS9 Gallery is proud to present "Symbols in Flux," a solo exhibition featuring eleven vibrant works by multidisciplinary artist Alejandro Medina Gómez (AMG). AMG, born in Guadalajara, Mexico in 1997, lives and works in his hometown, drawing inspiration from both its urban complexity and the cultural richness of nearby rural areas. AMG's art is defined by his vivid use of color, a palette that transforms itself into an essential element of his compositions—where color does more than merely fill space; it becomes an active character.
In this latest collection, "Symbols in Flux," AMG invites us to explore the symbols that define humanity—ancient, contemporary, and deeply personal. His practice seamlessly blends influences from diverse art movements, social contexts, and his own direct environment, offering works that reflect the complexities of modern identity and the evolving dynamics of culture. Through each piece, AMG weaves a narrative where symbols, both historical and modern, converge, telling a story that resonates both intimately and collectively.
Highlighted works in this exhibition include:
- "Historia de Miriam con stickers" (History of Miriam with Stickers) – A personal portrait that reflects the essence of contemporary communication. Modern symbols—stickers and emojis—take on deeper meaning, emphasizing how the language of today defines our identity and connects us in new, yet complex ways.
- "Célula animal y dos bovinos disfrutando II" (Animal Cell and Two Cows Enjoying II) – This canvas presents a satirical take on life’s varied forms. The juxtaposition of the vibrant and discordant creates a visual tension that speaks to the absurdity and beauty of coexistence.
- "Autorretrato con luz verde" (Self-Portrait with Green Light) – Capturing a moment of emotional intensity, this self-portrait is a striking representation of personal stress. AMG’s bold use of green light transforms the traditional self-portrait into a narrative of psychological struggle, layered with vulnerability.
- "Feliz cumpleaños en la ruta" (Happy Birthday on the Road) – A poignant commentary on the fleeting nature of celebrations, this ink-on-paper work evokes the melancholic realization of birthdays as markers of time slipping away, rather than jubilant milestones.
- "Marilyn y Warhol" (Marilyn and Warhol) – This piece reflects on the phenomenon of fame, portraying how art can sometimes overshadow its creator. AMG uses vivid contrasts to explore the tension between artist and subject, capturing the complex dynamics of artistic immortality.
- "Historias de ayer y hoy" (Stories of Yesterday and Today) – This oil painting brings together pre-Hispanic deities like Mictlantecuhtli and Tlaloc with contemporary pop culture figures and even dinosaurs. The juxtaposition is an exploration of how different epochs influence each other, forming a collective memory and consciousness that shapes the present. This painting was honored with a special mention at the XLIII Encuentro Nacional de Arte Joven in Aguascalientes.
- "Humo" (Smoke) – An evocative portrayal of the fleeting warmth of special moments—whether the comfort of home or fleeting passions. AMG’s brushstrokes capture the essence of what evaporates into memory, leaving behind an ephemeral trace.
- "Clásico tropezón con tripas" (Classic Gut-Wrenching Trip-Up) – A dynamic composition that captures impulsive human decisions. AMGs layered textures and swirling forms evoke the chaos of decisions made without reflection, reflecting the artist’s introspective engagement with personal experience.
- "Tlaloc echando firma en domingo de bajón" (Tlaloc Signing Off on a Sunday Slump) – A humorous interplay of symbols, blending Tlaloc, the rain god, with Calvin from "Calvin and Hobbes." The scene playfully depicts the formation of storms, providing a light-hearted yet thoughtful take on mythology’s presence in everyday life.
- "Propongo un brindis III" (I Propose a Toast III) – This large-scale painting captures the surrealism and absurdity of social drinking. The infrared-inspired colors symbolize excess, indulgence, and the strange joy found in late-night celebrations.
- "Aquellas primeras paleteadas" (Those First Licks) – This work reflects on friendships, experiences, and substances shared throughout life. AMG invites viewers to connect with the sense of change—how relationships evolve, dissolve, and reform in the journey of social experiences.
Through "Symbols in Flux," AMG masterfully captures the dualities and fluidities of life—individual versus collective, historical versus modern, fleeting versus enduring. His vibrant color palette and symbolic depth invite viewers to explore the intersections of identity, culture, and personal experience. Each piece stands as a testament to AMG’s ability to fuse humor, nostalgia, and critical reflection, transforming traditional symbols into a contemporary language that speaks to the complexities of our world.
Alejandro Medina Gómez ’s works have received international acclaim, and in "Symbols in Flux" he presents us with a compelling new chapter in his artistic journey—one that is intimate, resonant, and profoundly reflective of the times we live in.
