Euphoria: A Solo Show With Carlos Gamez de Francisco

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Chauvet Arts

NASHVILLE, T.N. (04/05/2025) – Step into a world where opulence meets imagination, where timeless elegance collides with bold contemporary vision. Euphoria, the newest exhibition at Chauvet Arts, invites viewers into the lush, layered universe of Carlos Gamez de Francisco—a place where art history, fashion, and fantasy converge in vivid, theatrical harmony.

Euphoria is a celebration of artistic freedom, innovation, and the boundless joy of creation. In this latest body of work, Carlos Gamez de Francisco reflects on his journey—one defined by resilience, resourcefulness, and an unwavering passion for artistic expression.

Born and raised in Cuba, Gamez de Francisco experienced firsthand the restrictions imposed on creative and cultural expression. Western music was strictly forbidden, and even Cuban artists who had left the country, such as Celia Cruz, were censored. Despite these limitations, he found ways to engage with art and music in secret, recognizing early on that creativity was not just an outlet but a necessity. In an environment where even possessing a single dollar was a crime, he witnessed ingenuity at every turn—his father hiding money in bottles within their home’s walls, and himself repurposing everyday materials to create art.

At fifteen, Gamez de Francisco fully dedicated himself to painting, though access to proper art supplies remained a challenge. He adapted by mixing watercolor with toothpaste, substituting diesel oil for linseed oil, and priming found fabrics with house paint. These early experiences instilled in him a deep understanding that creativity thrives in adversity and that artistic expression knows no boundaries.

Now, after fifteen years in the United States, Gamez de Francisco embraces a new era of artistic exploration. With Euphoria, he pushes the limits of his practice, incorporating unconventional materials such as wood slices and large-scale canvases while experimenting with both vibrant, colorful compositions and dark, monochromatic works. His process extends beyond the canvas, with pieces that break free from traditional formats, expanding onto walls and surfaces in dynamic, unexpected ways.

Through this exhibition, Gamez de Francisco invites viewers into a world of unrestrained creativity—a space where art is not confined by rules but instead thrives on the energy of experimentation and discovery. Euphoria captures the essence of artistic liberation, celebrating the power of imagination, resilience, and the enduring pursuit of joy in creation.