This Mixed Media Artist Turns Everyday Objects Into Stunning Sculptures

In the art world, creating art work that is a fresh take on a new idea from an artist, whether it’s done in terms of subject matter, composition or technique is the challenge that confronts many working in the field. To do this and keep the artistic vision is the most ideal and rewarding outcome. There is the bottom line, however, where business interests meet artistic interests. Well, Cuban-American artist Sergio Garcia is achieving that balance with his mixed-media sculptures.

The interactive sculptures blur the lines between the process of creating art and the finished product. Garcia does this in the strongest way in his works that feature life-like, realistic hands emerging from the flat, two-dimensional wall space towards the viewer. The hands, which are even flecked with different colors of paint, give one the impression that they have just stepped into the creative process. 

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The hands in some sculptures are engaged in the process of tipping a bottle to pour out the contents, gripping a fire extinguisher to put out a fire, or in some cases, the hands are making miniature sculptures.

For the artist who is based in Dallas, creating moments—not artwork—is the primary concern and focus. Many of the pieces on the surface are references to metal-based objects—through the manipulation of their parts and with his strong eye for composition—a surreal human element emerges in the most unexpected ways, pushing the conversation about the human element and the non-human element further, which is the goal of the artist.

Sergio explains his philosophy behind the works: “We, as humans, are naturally drawn to the unorthodox. I have always enjoyed the use of the unconventional as a base for my artwork. I enjoy creating art that people can relate to and that stimulates the creative subconscious. Not only to create an emotional relationship between art and viewer, but to conjure up questions of how and why.”

These materials, and their treatment, in essence, also become a vehicle for making connections between artistic concepts. Another series—composed only of tricycles of varying sizes, with an exaggeration of the length of the tubes or frame, also allow the artist to play with scale. The tricycles are completed in red or pink tones, and there are echoes of some of the works of the painter Salvador Dali in terms of taking real items which are hard and metallic, and through forced perspective and design, forcing them to take on new dimensions and curves.

The same is true of the classroom desk sculpture created by Garcia with desks arranged with a dexterity that gives them the effect of something between a windmill and a sunflower.

He continues: “It is this desire to create a connection with the viewer that fuels my creativity. My passion is creating a perfect balance of light and shadow. Light is the core of my artwork. Without light there is no art. Without art there is no life.”

A listing of Garcia’s current works is available on his website.