"Home at Last" by Nivia Gonzalez
October 7-28, 2005
Reception: Friday, October 21, 2005
La Peña proudly presents the return of Nivia Gonzalez to its gallery walls. "Home at Last" is an exhibition of artwork that features her progression as an artist as well as in life. Nivia's earliest work done in high school, lithographs and serigraphs done at the height of her career, and her recent paintings are on display and for sale. The show runs from October 7th thru 28th with a reception on Friday, October 21st from 6-8 pm.
Nivia Gonzalez was one of the most well known Latina artists during the last couple of decades. Her unmistakable style and artwork that mainly featured women with downcast eyes was exhibited nationwide, collected and admired by many, and featured on numerous book covers and newspaper and magazine articles. Her work became synonymous with strength of women and strength in heritage. Then, 8 years ago, she suffered a tragic car accident that nearly took her life. After being in a coma, dying three times, suffering a brain injury that resulted in losing her memory, and becoming unable to use her left arm (her painting hand), her life was completely changed. Her recovery has been long and miraculous. Her memory may still be clouded but she now walks with aid of a cane and has regained use of her left arm. She has also begun painting again. While it is not the caliber of what she used to do, it is more than what everyone believed was possible.