Gabriel “GG” Gimenez

Miami, FL – May 5, 2015 – You have to be living under a rock to not notice how quickly Miami’s burgeoning art scene is taking over every street you turn. More than ever, business’, schools, and various communities are embracing this street art culture, and commissioning these artists to add some pizzaz to their own outer walls. World Red Eye spent some time catching up with someone who you may have gotten to know around town through his captivating murals.

Gabriel Gimenez, better known as “GG,” can be considered one of the major forces behind Miami’s new age art movement. With a relentless curiosity towards life and a killer work ethic, GG has built quite a name for himself throughout the art and fashion community. Originally from Venezuela, his talents have caught the eyes of art enthusiasts from around the world, showcasing work in local, national and international art fairs, special events and galleries. GG’s inspirations spring from personal life experiences, feelings, emotions, goals and events that affect the environment in a negative or positive way – a personal life analysis expressed through his characters, main character being Fado. So, what is it like painting this town red? GG lets us know just how he helps keep this city vibrant and full of life.

Gabriel “GG” Gimenez

WRE: Was making art something you knew you wanted to do at an early age? Or did it just come naturally?

GG: As a child I knew I wanted to pursue a creative profession. I was always involved in a sport, but at the same time I was also participating in acting, music and drawing. It wasn’t until my junior year of high school that I decided I was going to become a visual artist.

WRE: Tell us about how you got your start in street art?

GG: I got my start in the street art world in different way than most street artists. Coming from a middle class family in the suburbs of a small city in Venezuela, I was not exposed to much art at all. Once my parents brought me and my two younger brothers to the US, I started to get more familiar with the artistic culture. By the time I made the decision to become an artist, all I wanted to do was work on elaborated, big pieces that would convey a message, and that’s what I did. I negotiated a wall with a gallery I was working with and did my first public wall in 2010 on the side of a building on 40th and Miami ave (the wall is still up).

WRE: Tell us about your relationship with Bio Networks speech therapy center and how you decided to create this mural for them?

GG: My relationship with Bio Networks speech therapy center was very organic. They were looking for an artist to collaborate with and they had seen my work around town so they reached out to me.

WRE: What was the inspiration behind the mural?

GG: I wanted to create a mural that would express joy, curiosity and of course, visually stimulating. After meeting with the directors and doing some research, I knew the best idea would be to make a piece that involved elements that the kids could be familiar with, like letters, shapes and primary colors. These elements combined with human like characteristics would create and immediate interaction between the art and the kids.

Gabriel “GG” Gimenez

All I wanted to do was work on elaborated, big pieces that would convey a message, and that’s what I did.

Gabriel "GG" Gimenez

WRE: What goes into creating a mural? How much prep is involved? How long does it usually take to complete?

GG: To make that wall it took about four to six hours of priming and about twenty-four hours in total of creating the art. We did it working in and out over a period of four days.

WRE: Tell us about these characters, where does the inspiration for them come from?

GG: All my characters have a source of inspiration, usually the source is a feeling or a specific concept that needs to be expressed. I use characters to do so.

WRE: What medium is your favorite to work with? Why?

GG: I enjoy painting very much. My work is very neat and precise; there is something about just sitting in the studio and painting those sharp edges with a simple paint and brush that makes me feel good. I use latex paint because it has a flat and consistent look.

Gabriel “GG” Gimenez

WRE: What are your thoughts on where Miami street art is going?

GG: I think within the next year people will start seeing Miami street artists have a big presence nationally and locally. I believe  that every pocket of the city will have street art involvement.

WRE:  Who are some artists you look up to and admire?

GG: I admire all kinds if artists. I believe that it takes a lot of guts to express your ideas especially now-a-days since there is so much deconstructive criticism. It takes time and a lot of work to build great concepts and to take the initiative to start something that deserves respect. I look up to many artist but lately I have been getting a lot of inspiration from Christopher Wool’s work and some of the street wear brands like STAMPD.

I am focused on delivering consistent work with great attention to detail that will allow me to express my opinion and feelings towards many of the issues in our society.

Gabriel "GG" Gimenez

Gabriel “GG” Gimenez

WRE: What can we find you doing when you are not creating new work?

GG: If I’m not creating something I am probably thinking or spending my time in a way that will inspire me to create something. I enjoy live music, drinking and hanging out with smart, passionate people.

WRE: Where are some of your favorite places to hangout around town?

GG: I really like the MIMO district which is where I’m based out of. We have a few new restaurants and bars that are delivering great food and drinks. I always find myself going to Bardot to check out a DJ set or performance.

WRE: Any exiting things planned for the future in regards to your work?

GG: There is a solo exhibition in Dubai that is in the works which I am very exited about. But for the most part, I am focused on delivering consistent work with great attention to detail that will allow me to express my opinion and feelings towards many of the issues in our society.