If you’re going through World Cup withdrawals, CalArts alum Jorge R. Gutiérrez (Film/Video BFA 97, MFA 00) latest exhibition can help (for the next few weeks, at least). He’s channeled his lifelong passion for soccer into FÚTBOL! FÚTBOL!! FÚTBOL!!!, now on view at La Luz de Jesus Gallery in Los Angeles through Aug. 2.
Ahead of the show’s opening earlier this month, Gutiérrez spoke with L.A. Taco about the inspiration behind the work, his creative process, and the connection between art and the world’s game.
Born in Mexico City and raised in Tijuana, Gutiérrez is an Emmy and Annie Award-winning animator, writer, director, and painter best known for creating El Tigre: The Adventures of Manny Rivera and for The Book of Life and Maya and the Three.
The interview also includes a memorable story from Gutiérrez’s time at CalArts. While attending the Institute, he and his roommate, Argentine designer David Vegezzi, founded what Gutiérrez jokingly calls “the first, and last, CalArts soccer team.”
“We lost every single game and had the time of our lives,” he told L.A. Taco. “Looking back, I think that perfectly captures my relationship with the beautiful game: endless optimism, glorious failure, and pure joy.”
Reflecting on the connection between artists and sports fans, Gutiérrez also argues that the two have more in common than many people realize.
“To me, many artists and sports fans are obsessed with the exact same thing: stories,” he said. “We love mythology, ritual, symbols, heroes, villains, costumes, chants, impossible dreams, and devastating tragedy.”
Read the full interview on L.A. Taco to learn more about Gutiérrez’s exhibition, his lifelong love of soccer, and the influences behind his latest paintings.
FÚTBOL! FÚTBOL!! FÚTBOL!!! is on view through Aug. 2 at La Luz de Jesus Gallery, 4633 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles.
