Passion and poetry in the sculptures of the artist Ignacio Gana
Artist of the Year at the Latin Grammy Awards 2017, Gana is based in Miami/Los Angeles
Tell us what you do and your beginnings.
I studied and worked as an architect, but I was always painting on the side until I eventually dedicated myself fully to the arts. I greatly enjoyed my career as a painter, showcasing my work at world-renowned art fairs and having my pieces displayed in esteemed institutions such as the Guggenheim in Venice, the Ralli Museum, LACMA in Los Angeles, and prominent private collections.
While painting, I continually explore new ways to express ideas—learning engraving techniques, creating book illustrations, and experimenting with photography and art installations.
However, my painting changed the day my children, Jacinta and Vicente, were born. Suddenly, my work was filled with vibrant colors; my palette shifted to brighter, bolder hues. This transformation became a defining feature of my art.
Later, when I learned I was expecting my daughter, Antonia, I promised myself to create a gift she would never forget—a turning point that led me to sculpture. When she was born, I put aside my canvas, picked up a piece of clay, and began shaping forms and ideas.
Today, I am in love with sculpture. It’s a medium that perfectly aligns with my working style, lifestyle, and artistic vision. Bronze sculpture, in particular, suits the language I aim to convey. The nobility of bronze never ceases to amaze me; the process is an adventure, and the outcome is a gift for the soul.
The sculpture is pure poetry—a balance between solving problems in real-time and creating something tangible. Each piece is born from countless sketches drawn on paper or even napkins and evolves as I allow the moment to guide me. It’s an open window to dreams and constant discovery.
What does your work aim to say?
Throughout my career as a sculptor, the themes I aim to evoke or convey have shifted, reflecting the changes in my life, surroundings, and worldview. I strive for each piece to tell its own story, often leaving room for the observer to interpret and complete the narrative based on their experiences.
I always incorporate humor and irony into my work—it’s a defining characteristic that contrasts and amplifies the core idea. I enjoy crafting stories through my sculptures, inviting viewers to step into a theatrical scene and actively participate in the narrative.
My greatest joy is evoking emotion in those who view my work. I aim to create moments of pause, where observers connect with my art, immerse themselves in a new story, and savor that unique experience.
Each piece is distinct, yet all are interconnected, forming a cohesive thread across collections imbued with sensuality, seduction, balance, humor, and irony. Every work has an open ending, allowing the viewer to shape their interpretation.
I pour love and dedication into each piece from start to finish. While my life is not depicted in my art, every creation reflects a part of my subconscious.
Where do you find inspiration for your art?
Life is full of precious details and magical moments. I like to walk slowly so I don’t miss them—listening to birdsong or the sound of waves instead of wearing headphones. I observe shapes, colors, and situations that unfold around me every day. I consider myself a collector of images, a sponge for sensations and memories.
I enjoy sketching at cafés, taking breaks to transfer the mental images I’ve gathered onto paper. These drawings often become the foundation for new stories with open endings, where viewers bring their unique perspectives to complete the artwork.
Each sculpture or installation is like an open window, inviting viewers to step into a world of imagination and poetry.
Could you give us some insight into your creative process?
My work emerges from a collection of images I encounter daily—moments and sensations that sometimes find me, and other times I seek out. These images circulate in my subconscious, and through drawing, I begin shaping them, searching for relationships and ways to present my ideas in a personal, meaningful manner.
After many sketches, I arrive at a form that becomes the basis for a sculpture or installation. Even then, the process remains fluid. As I transform the drawing into a clay model, the concept continues to evolve, always leaving room for new ideas and approaches. This dynamic process, combined with the versatility of bronze, shapes the final result.
What are your future projects?
Currently, I’m working on several public projects, including two monumental sculptures, each 16 feet tall, to be installed in Redondo Beach, California. I’m also creating "Diver," a 15-foot-tall bronze sculpture set to be displayed at the base of Brickell’s tallest skyscraper in Miami.
Additionally, I dedicate part of my time to private commissions for collectors and developers in London and Dubai, alongside my new collection, “SEDUCTION”. This series, featuring around 100 pieces, celebrates the sensuality, allure, and beauty of women and is set to debut in 2025. It builds on the theme of my Swimmer series but adds a more provocative twist, with women as the central protagonists.
Several pieces from this collection have already been sold, even before completion. Collectors who closely follow my career have reached out to secure works in advance for their collections.
Interview by Fabio Pariante, X • Instagram • Website