SOUND BITES
The Sound Bites series came about following the aftermath of the 2016 United States presidential election. Based on “sound bites” Bert heard and observed on radio and television, these artworks reveal the artist’s witty and politically-engaged mind. He strategically utilizes vibrant neon signs and replica gold bars to convey brief and pointed phrases that question prevailing narratives disseminated by the mainstream media.
Beyond their aesthetic appeal, each artwork is intended to confront and challenge the viewer, prompting contemplation and demanding consideration. For instance, in the neon sculpture, You don’t have the right (2017), the artist paraphrases the U.S. Miranda warning—the legal reminder of one’s rights during an arrest—to encourage viewers to assert their voices in the midst of our current polarized, political climate. Furthermore, the use of gold bars holds a deeper symbolism: highlighting the role that money plays in politics and suggesting that it has eroded longstanding values that once defined American democracy.
You don’t have the right, 2017, Neon light and plexi, 24” x 48” x 4”
Toxic culture, 2017, Neon light and plexi, 36″ x 36″ x 4″
Gentrification, 2017, Neon light and plexi, 36” x 36” x 4”
Margin of error, 2017, Neon light and plexi, 24” H x 48” W x 4” D
Cover Up, 2017, laser engraving on wood and 24 ct. gold leaf
Inquisition, 2017, laser engraving on wood and 24 ct. gold leaf
Dark Matter, 2017, laser engraving on wood and 24 ct. gold leaf
The artist Guillermo Bert in his studio at The Brewery 2017
MARGIN OF ERROR
When you base your position in political calculations and demographics instead of thrue values and principals you get expose to to the margin of error, it is a sarcatic way to sauy that you are not betting to inspiring people but follow the pills and statistics and lett them define you.
Gentrification
Questioned the idea that Gentrification is a financial issue but the consequences are clearly racial in nature because wealth and race are very clearly aligned in America, particularly now that the wealth distribution currently is one of the most inequitable in the industrialize world.
You don’t have the right
This piece relate the idea about the need to speak up, paraphrasing the Miranda Rights law, not as a legal necessity but as a moral imperative in this climate of political dysfunction.