Mario Gonzalez Jr
Evolution
Mixed media on canvas
24” x 27”
BIO
Exposed from birth to the beautiful murals and urban art forms amongst the dull, monochrome landscape of Chicago, Mario Gonzalez, Jr. discovered a natural inclination to the letterform styles of graffiti. His own expression of these styles landed Mario full scholarship to the Art Institute of Chicago, where he further explored the intersection of graffiti and fine art.
Graduating in 1993, Gonzalez began painting street and subways while also displaying his work in galleries and museums around the world. With graffiti art gaining popularity, Mario took up residency at Chicago’s Zhou B Art Center, continuing to refine his brand of urban abstract expressionism, now recognized by fans and collectors as his classic “ZORE” style.
2013 has been a busy and prolific year, including the premiere of “STYLE BOMBING” at Chicago’s 33 Contemporary Gallery, comprised entirely of found and reclaimed objects, wooden panels and paint. Other notable appearances this year include a solo show with MIIT in Turino Latalia, OUTSIDE IN at Chicago’s National Mexican Museum, the Fountain Fair with Maxwell Colette and CODE – a two-person show with Ish Muhammed at the Hammond Art Center. Gonzalez is currently curating an exchange with Mexico’s Baja Institute, as well as being part of an exhibition opening at the Chicago Cultural Center this Friday.
Mario’s work has been featured in Dwell and Healthy Homes Magazines as well as seen in the hit TV series “Chicago Fire”.
I AM American Exhibition 