Individual Artist Fellowship in Visual Art 3D Recipient: Nelson Gutierrez

By Krishna Adams, Director of Visual Arts, Craft, Media, and Design –

Nelson Gutierrez, a Colombian-born artist who has called Memphis home for over a decade, was recently awarded the Individual Artist Fellowship (IAF) in 3D Visual Arts. The Tennessee Arts Commission awards IAFs annually to recognize and acknowledge outstanding professional artists living and working in Tennessee who, through their work, add to the state’s cultural vitality.

“Receiving this grant is a tremendous honor, and I am confident that it will not only allow me to pursue my artistic vision but also contribute to the cultural landscape of our community. Your support will enable me to dedicate more time to my artistic practice, experiment with new mediums, and reach a wider audience through exhibitions and public engagements.” – Gutierrez

Gutierrez uses his art to explore the psychological and social consequences of conflict. His recent work, inspired by forced displacement and global migration, incorporates drawing and 3D cutouts of individuals. When lit, these cutouts create overlapping shadows on the walls,  forming anonymous masses.

“My work comprises two- and three-dimensional pieces, conceptual objects, and installations that reflect current sociopolitical issues and personal memories related to history or current events. My practice involves several years of work and research, personal observations and experiences, and exploration of different artistic mediums around a central interest: the constant struggle of individuals and communities for a better life, resilience, hope, and the search for common ground. The work is informed by personal and collective memories, people I have met, places where I have lived and visited, environments, and events that have formed and influenced my life and work throughout my career.”– Gutierrez

Gutierrez earned a B.A. in Fine Art from the Universidad de Bogotá Jorge Tadeo Lozano in Colombia in 1990. He continued his studies, obtaining an M.A. in Fine Arts from Chelsea College of Art and Design in London. Gutierrez has been a consultant and taught art at various institutions, including DCPS in Washington, D.C., Arts for Learning in Miami, and both the Universidad Jorge Tadeo Lozano and the Universidad de Los Andes in Bogota. Additionally, he attended M.F.A. courses at the Corcoran College of Art + Design while in Washington, D.C.

Gutierrez has participated in artist residencies at Crosstown Arts in Memphis and the Vermont Studio Center. He has also been awarded several grants, including the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities Acquisition Grant, the Memphis Medical District Public Art Planning Grant, the Memphis International Airport Acquisition Grant, the Tri-Star Arts Current Art Fund Grant, and the 2024 South Arts Tennessee Fellow for Visual Arts.

Gutierrez has a strong exhibition history, including 17 solo exhibitions in Colombia and the United States, and 27 group exhibitions in Colombia, England, Switzerland, and the United States. He is also the founder of Future Project Art, a Contemporary Art collective focused on increasing awareness and appreciation for visual arts in the Mid-South.

Gutierrez plans to use the funds from the IAF award to create a new series of artwork that explores the intersection of traditional drawing techniques while observing contemporary themes. He also plans to rent a larger studio space to accommodate the increasing scale of the works. Gutierrez applied for the IAF grant multiple times over the years and advises artists interested in applying, “It’s a wonderful opportunity. If you are not selected, keep trying. Do not give up.”

This October, his work will be exhibited at the Art and Culture Center/Hollywood in Florida as part of the touring exhibition featuring the 2024 Southern Prize and State Fellows for Visual Arts. The Southern Prize for the South Arts Visual Arts winner and finalist will be named at the exhibition opening reception and awards ceremony on October 19, 2024. In February 2025 Gutierrez’s work will be exhibited at two venues in Memphis, Sheet Cake, a contemporary art gallery, as well as at Crosstown Arts, a contemporary arts organization dedicated to further cultivating the creative community. Find out more about his work here.