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Javier Gonzalez

Unconditional Joy | 71.5″ x 27.5″ x 2″ | Mixed media on antique door | 2019


Artist Statement

Piping, weaving, and constructivism are some techniques Javier González employs to create futuristic sculptural tapestries. His creative objective is to find freedom through healing. He chooses to portray patterns to indicate that part of his healing involves breaking his own patterns of behavior and thinking. Javier recognizes these patterns are handed down to him from his ancestors, as well as a legacy of craftsmanship and artisanship. By adopting the Afro-Colombian philosophy of carrying family legacies through generations he assumes the responsibility of continuing his family legacy through his artwork. Javier is also influenced by the African American culture from Detroit and the discipline and aesthetics of Chanel Couture. The common thread is a philosophy of resistance from social constructions and conventions. He develops this practice by utilizing a wide range of blingy, colorful, rustic, new and old materials. When asked what his medium is, he loves to reply, “everything”.

Artwork/s at the following locations:
Anton Art Center

Artist Website + Social Media:
Instagram @jovis0818

MR/QD Is Made Possible BY

Artists stipends made possible by Kresge Arts in Detroit

For details and more info on making a contribution to Mighty Real/Queer Detroit, please contact us at info@mrqd.org

About MR/QD

Mighty Real/Queer Detroit is an art exhibition in June 2022 devoted to 77 years (1945-2022) of Detroit LGBTQ+ art 

The exhibition presents a month-long historical examination of the diversity of the LGBTQ+ community and its longtime allies, featuring established & emerging Detroit artists, as well as artists whose careers were shortened by HIV/AIDS.

Mighty Real/Queer Detroit is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization committed to promoting positive and meaningful images of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community through artistic and intellectual means. © 2023. All Rights Reserved.