Nabil Gonzalez holds a double BFA in Printmaking and Graphic Design from the University of Texas at El Paso, and an MFA in Printmaking from the Rhode Island School of Design. As a dedicated studio artist, Gonzalez focuses on the social and political issues affecting the borderland region between the United States and Mexico. Her work explores the erasure and reestablishment of identity through the repetition and layering of images, marks, and materials.
Gonzalez’s art aims to awaken and bring awareness to a society increasingly numb and unresponsive to the brutal acts of violence against minority groups. She strives to be a voice for the countless murdered and disappeared victims of social and political injustice, creating works that challenge perceptions and provoke reflection.
Her pieces have been exhibited across the United States, Mexico, Colombia, and China, and her artist books and prints are included in museum and library special collections throughout the United States.
Artist Statement
Through the use of various printmaking and drawing techniques, my art delves into themes of memory and identity erasure, explored both metaphorically and literally through the manipulation of imagery, matrix, and process. By employing repetition, I underscore the overwhelming scale of the crisis and the extensive impact on countless lives. My work aims to evoke deep emotions—sadness, uneasiness, and disgust—drawing viewers into a visually compelling narrative while challenging their perspectives on these urgent issues.
My art initially seduces the viewer with its immediate visual appeal, achieved through the layering of materials and the interplay of physical and implied textures. This visual allure serves as a gateway, drawing the viewer in before revealing the harsh realities and moral complexities inherent in the subject matter. By doing so, I effectively position the viewer as a participant in a system of abuse, challenging them to reflect on their own complicity and awareness.
Through the manipulation of imagery, the deliberate use of repetition, and the incorporation of diverse materials, I aim to push boundaries and raise awareness. I deeply immerse myself in exploring the significance of memory fragmentation, pushing against societal norms of what is deemed appropriate or inappropriate. My intent is to compel viewers to reconsider their roles and responsibilities as active members of society.
Ultimately, my goal is to provoke a sense of accountability in the viewer, triggering their senses and exposing them to the unexpected. I seek to embed a message that transforms their understanding and reality, contributing to a broader dialogue on abuse and basic human rights. Through this artistic endeavor, I urge collective reflection and action, fostering a deeper understanding of these critical issues.