BIO
Max Emiliano Gonzales, also known by his artist name “GEMS”, can be classified as an activist, art educator, muralist, graffiti writer, printmaker, curator and much more. Originally from the Southwest side of Chicago and raised in latino communities, Max brings a unique perspective to Pittsburgh as a queer identifying, Chicano artist.
Max was brought to Pittsburgh in 2012 to attend Carnegie Mellon University's Fine Art program
on a full ride Scholarship. By 2016 Max had graduated with honors, secured multiple positions with the University, and was
arrested as Pittsburgh’s most wanted graffiti artist. Rather than let the notoriety of his graffiti dwindle, Max has gone on to develop a career from it as practicing artist, muralist, curator, and art educator.
Max has presented as a guest artist, lectured, and run workshops at locations including The University of Pittsburgh, Carnegie Mellon University, Winchester Thurston High School, Youth Places North Side, McKeesport, and Homewood, Assemble Pgh, and The Environmental Charter School. Max is also a member of Boom Concepts, Flower House Gallery, Wicked Pittsburgh,
Hemispheric Conversations Urban Art Project, and Pullproof Studios. Currently, Max works for the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh as a Labs Mentor, servicing local teens with workshops and art programming.
Through his different roles as an artist, Max seeks to give value to underrepresented voices,
movements, and art forms to challenge any established socioeconomic barriers, elitism, or bigotry to
redefine the role and importance of art.
Max was brought to Pittsburgh in 2012 to attend Carnegie Mellon University's Fine Art program
on a full ride Scholarship. By 2016 Max had graduated with honors, secured multiple positions with the University, and was
arrested as Pittsburgh’s most wanted graffiti artist. Rather than let the notoriety of his graffiti dwindle, Max has gone on to develop a career from it as practicing artist, muralist, curator, and art educator.
Max has presented as a guest artist, lectured, and run workshops at locations including The University of Pittsburgh, Carnegie Mellon University, Winchester Thurston High School, Youth Places North Side, McKeesport, and Homewood, Assemble Pgh, and The Environmental Charter School. Max is also a member of Boom Concepts, Flower House Gallery, Wicked Pittsburgh,
Hemispheric Conversations Urban Art Project, and Pullproof Studios. Currently, Max works for the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh as a Labs Mentor, servicing local teens with workshops and art programming.
Through his different roles as an artist, Max seeks to give value to underrepresented voices,
movements, and art forms to challenge any established socioeconomic barriers, elitism, or bigotry to
redefine the role and importance of art.
STATEMENT
Identity is constructed, appearance can change, and opinions are subjective.
I am a "cis, straight, white male"...
I am a queer, non binary, mixed race person of color.
Expressions and identities can be prison or they can be infinite.
The fluid state of freedom, free will, and comfort are now confined by capital gain and greed.
I am sometimes a recipient...
Many will confide their bigotry and ignorance in me.
They grant me their protections and privileges.
These relationships are extremely fragile...
With the opportunities I'm given and the power I can openly express, I want to speak for those who cannot.
It's not an obligation or guilt, it's me recognizing the position I'm in.
I will keep creating, learning, challenging and informing.
I am a "cis, straight, white male"...
I am a queer, non binary, mixed race person of color.
Expressions and identities can be prison or they can be infinite.
The fluid state of freedom, free will, and comfort are now confined by capital gain and greed.
I am sometimes a recipient...
Many will confide their bigotry and ignorance in me.
They grant me their protections and privileges.
These relationships are extremely fragile...
With the opportunities I'm given and the power I can openly express, I want to speak for those who cannot.
It's not an obligation or guilt, it's me recognizing the position I'm in.
I will keep creating, learning, challenging and informing.
RESUME/CV
max_gonzales_artist_resume___cv_december_7th_2019__1_.pdf |
CONTACT
Max Emiliano Gonzales
@goodboygems
gems4sale.bigcartel.com
mgonzales.gems@gmail.com
Pittsburgh PA/ Chicago IL
@goodboygems
gems4sale.bigcartel.com
mgonzales.gems@gmail.com
Pittsburgh PA/ Chicago IL
LEGAL DISCLAIMER:
WARNING: All images seen or viewed in this website, including their concept, physical appearance, form, reflection, representation, and illustration, regardless of the location in this website, is the design, creation, work product, and property of Max Emiliano Gonzales. Max Emiliano Gonzales has sole and all, direct and indirect, title, proprietary rights, ownership, claim, and beneficial interest, of all creative, conceptual, and actual images portrayed and presented in this website.
USE AND REPRODUCTION PROHIBITED: No person, individual, entity, or organization is authorized to use any images or concepts from this website in any form, format or media unless first getting written authorization from Max Emiliano Gonzales. Moreover, all the images and content of this website are protected by all local and copyright and image reproduction laws of the United States of America, and they may not be used, reproduced or transmitted for any purpose without the written authorized signed personally by Max Emiliano Gonzales. This Warning is effective March 3, 2013 and until changed by personal written authorization of Max Emiliano Gonzales.
WARNING: All images seen or viewed in this website, including their concept, physical appearance, form, reflection, representation, and illustration, regardless of the location in this website, is the design, creation, work product, and property of Max Emiliano Gonzales. Max Emiliano Gonzales has sole and all, direct and indirect, title, proprietary rights, ownership, claim, and beneficial interest, of all creative, conceptual, and actual images portrayed and presented in this website.
USE AND REPRODUCTION PROHIBITED: No person, individual, entity, or organization is authorized to use any images or concepts from this website in any form, format or media unless first getting written authorization from Max Emiliano Gonzales. Moreover, all the images and content of this website are protected by all local and copyright and image reproduction laws of the United States of America, and they may not be used, reproduced or transmitted for any purpose without the written authorized signed personally by Max Emiliano Gonzales. This Warning is effective March 3, 2013 and until changed by personal written authorization of Max Emiliano Gonzales.