Culture Pop!

Peruvian artist Amadeo Gonzales has been surprising, entertaining and provoking people for years – about 15 years ago, he published a photocopied mini comic called Carboncito with his brother. Now, it’s a magazine with 18 editions and is a key showcase for contemporary cartoon illustrations from around Latin America.

But if you google his name, you’ll find his música right at the top of the list – because Gonzales is nothing if not versatile. On his blog, watch him strum his guitar and sing “Estoy aquí,” which translates as “I Am Here.” And indeed he is here, making his mark not just in his home city of Lima but also in the United States. Ever since his debut last year at Art Basel in Miami – an art fair that draws collectors, museum directors and curators – his work has caught the attention of art enthusiasts, including Jay Britto and David Charette (of the Miami design firm Britto Charette).

They have become big fans of the artist’s work. “Our office in the Wynwood Art District is surrounded by fantastic murals. When we saw the murals and art Amadeo is producing in Lima, we knew immediately that we had to invite him to showcase his work here,” says Charette.

“He’s a perfect fit with Wynwood and the celebration of diversity here,” adds Britto.

The two say they love the color and drama of the creations, and that the clean lines and fun characters are true to their firm’s style. Their clients often like white walls in their homes, and art like this can create a
focal point and tie a room together. Britto Charette is exclusively promoting and distributing work by Gonzales in the U.S.

Gonzales creates freehand illustrations; using vector, ink, watercolor, acrylic and silkscreen. His latest work prominently features animals, in vivid colors and imaginative get-ups.

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