Exhibition Catalog
Mario Gomez at Gallery Bergelli

Gomez’s paintings beckon the viewers to their own childhood. His vibrant work breathes life and joy. The source of his images is often autobiographical and reminiscent of the fantasies of his childhood. Images of paper ships, circus whirls, and the priest who rode the bicycle evoke memories of his growing years. Playful objects such as the juggler, the ballerina, the horse, intermingle with simple architectural constructions, influenced by the literature of Latin-American magic realism. He creates a world of fantasy, reassembling familiar images and spaces, creating a new synthesis. The artist describes his work as communicating without saying the obvious, as that would eliminate the attraction of the painting. The protagonist is the human figure, interacting with fundamental worries and fundamental joy – works of art that involve the viewer with the artist in an interpretation of life. His genius manifests itself in the unique content and juxtaposition of human, natural, and material objects. Equally exciting and accomplished is his unique technique. He creates a “paper world” – simulating crumpled paper – and combining classical elements with contemporary elements in the same scene.

Mario Gomez was born in 1968 in Concepcion, Chile. He is married and the father of two daughters and currently living in Isla De Maipo, Chile. Raised by his father, an engineer, and his mother, an art teacher, Mario originally aspired to be an architect but his love for the arts and creative spirit led him to the study of fine arts. He attended the School of Art at Pontificia Catholic University of Chile to study under Chile’s influential painters, such as Balmes, Gracia Barrios, and Ciengfuegos. He has exhibited in galleries and museums in his native Chile and also internationally in Japan, New Zealand, Finland, various European countries, and the United States.

Mario Gomez is a recipient of numerous prizes and distinctions.