The Art of Truth-Seeking with Acclaimed Artist Gerardo Castro

Capítulo 016: On this episode of Ocu-Pasión we are joined by acclaimed visual Artist Gerardo Castro. Listen in as we discuss artistic truth, inspired introspection, and joining the creative charge for LGBTQ+ rights and BIPOC visibility. 

"I was born in Ponce, Puerto Rico, grew up in the New York metropolitan area.  I obtained my MFA from Pratt Institute, Brooklyn, NY in 1997. My work has been exhibited, in museums and galleries, nationally and internationally, including China, Puerto Rico, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Budapest, Latin America and major US cities. In my artwork, I use art forms such as drawing, painting, collage, printmaking, beading, sewing, and fire. 

My work explores the politics of identity, addressing issues of colonization, diaspora, history, gender, spirituality, and religion.  As a contemporary Afro- Latino/Latinx artist, I’ve created personal artistic vernacular by recycling elements of Yoruba and Santeria aesthetics. I describe my work as Art that is political, erotic, mystical, decorative, and elaborate that brings to mind Magic Realism, Caribbean travel posters, religious icons, and Latin album cover art. I'd say, there's lots of bling in my work.  My relationship to my use of Color is not passive, I don’t shy away from it. My use of Color is a form of resistance -   it’s intentional - it’s a political statement- it’s a language.  I create fanciful constellations of marvelous glittery, unmistakably black, and emphatically brown figures in environments that take the viewer on journeys of material, psychological, and sociopolitical transformation. I celebrate the visual texture of my Afro-Descendant culture, affirming that Latino identity is a means of empowerment (be it social, spiritual, political, or personal).  These images are in a sense icons or doorways to the sacred. When you look at an icon, it is meant to make you aware that you are in the presence of someone sacred. "

    “To have imagery that looks like us, honors us, reflects us, reminds us that we are sacred.”

Feature Spotlight in AFROTAINO online magazine.  Read Claire Lambe’s review, of Emanations, in Roll Magazine, the meaning and purpose of the exhibition and the artwork.  Write-up by Faheem Haider, Sex as Salve gives the reader a glimpse into the sensual and tactile side of Gerardo Castro's paintings: Illuminated Shadows.  His Fire & Indigo

Ocu-Pasión Podcast, hosted by Delsy Sandoval, is a heartfelt interview series celebrating the diverse experiences of Latin American/Latinx artists and visionaries. Join us in exploring culture and creativity through meaningful conversations. If you'd like to support the podcast, please rate and review us here. For more information and to get in touch with Delsy, visit www.ocupasionpodcast.com. Connect with us on Instagram @ocupasionpodcast, join our Facebook Group here, and find all episodes on our website www.ocupasionpodcast.com. Don't forget to subscribe to our Substack newsletter at ocupasionpodcast.substack.com for updates and exclusive content. Your support is greatly appreciated!