Shana Nys Dambrot
Gooey’s artistic vision explodes across graphically grabby, radiantly chromatic works of painting, design, merch and mural. A believer that art should be everywhere and can be anything, his goal is to create images and objects that exude life and the sizzle of Pop art with the more emotional, gestural style of abstraction, even expressionism. With influences that range from Miro to Motherwell, Roy Lichtenstein to Rashid Johnson, Kaws to de Kooning, Gooey’s love of all things bright and beautiful has lured him from Mexico City to the City of Angels in pursuit of an expanding audience for his optical seductions.
Gooey
L.A. WEEKLY: When did you first know you were an artist?
GOOEY: Being an artist for me is about creating. The more time you spend creating something (whatever you are passionate about) the more you grow into what we call an artist. I have always gravitated towards visual art works and crafting which made me realize it is something I love doing and being around everyday.
What is your short answer to people who ask what your work is about?
Color, objects and experimenting with ideas and new ways to bring a painting beyond the canvas into a 3-dimensional experience.
What would you be doing if you weren’t an artist?
I would probably be in sports, or in music. I grew up playing sports and designing my own team jerseys so something related to sports would’ve been my second option, and I love music so that would’ve been great as well.
Did you go to art school? Why/Why not?
I never went to art school. When I was young I was interested in sports, skateboarding and art, but I thought those were all hobbies and that they would never be a full time job or make me any money, so I went to business school. After I graduated I decided it was not my thing at all, so I went into the artist self-taught journey learning from internships and YouTube videos.
Gooey
Why do you live and work in L.A., and not elsewhere?
I ended up in L.A. by chance, and I have decided to stay because I believe L.A. is in a culture-growing moment. There are so many things happening with music, art, food, sports and culture in the city that it is attracting a lot of creativity, and that is always great energy to be around. It is also great to grow with a city and the people that have been here forever and not just show up when there is a hype and all the cool people are gone.
When was your first show?
My first show was in 2012 in Barcelona.
When is/was your current/most recent/next show?
I have been doing group exhibits for the past year, online and some social distanced experiences. I am looking forward to next year when things get back to normal to have a solo show in the city. I want people to gather together and party.
Gooey
What artist living or dead would you most like to show with?
Very tough question. There are so many great artists. I love the work of Francis Picabia, Keith Haring or Roy Lichtenstein. Any of them would be an honor.
Do you listen to music while you work? If so what?
I do! Music is a must when I work, I go from listening to jazz, to the National, ‘70s music and also some ‘90s electronics to bring some good energy, it all depends on what mood I am in.
Website and social media handles, please!
IG: @gooey_xx
Gooey
