Felix Gonzalez-Torres

Ellie Feindel February 1, 2023
cd4683ae-61cc-4b6e-81a7-7dd752aff5e9.jpg!Portrait

Feliz Gonzalez-Torres was born in 1957 in Cuba. He attended university in Puerto Rico and then moved to New York City. He is most well known for his minimalistic style and use of commonly found objects in his artwork to convey a strong socially relevant concept. In 1987 he became part of the artist group “Group Material” which worked together to educate and promote community activism. His identity as a gay man influenced much of his conceptual work especially due to the rise of the AIDS epidemic in the 1980s.

“Untitled” (Portrait of Ross in LA)- Felix’s partner Ross sadly passed away from AIDS-related illness in 1991. The pile of candy all together weighed 175 pounds which was the ideal body weight for a healthy Ross. Viewers are encouraged to take a piece of candy and the mound depletes over time representing the degenerative nature of the disease.
“Untitled” (Perfect Lovers)- This piece consists of two clocks that begin synched but as time goes on the clocks gradually become out of synch, an allegory for love and the way it can change over time.
“Untitled” (Golden)- This piece is made from golden strands of beads forming a curtain. Together the beads serve as a symbol of transition.
“Untitled” (Placebo)
“Untitled”- This piece was created in 1991 shortly after Ross’s passing. The bed is freshly indented evoking an emptiness. Felix installed this photo on billboards to spread awareness of the AIDS epidemic and inspire compassion for those who lost love ones.

About The Author

Ellie Feindel

See author's posts

More Stories

IMG_0404.jpeg

honors December January sketchbook

Cameron Conheady January 18, 2024
IMG_0402.jpeg

honors sketchbook October

Cameron Conheady January 18, 2024
20240118_092658

Ceramic Reflection (work in progress)

Caitlin Swartz January 18, 2024