Gustavo Rimada’s Show “Rhythmic Sequence” Centers His Mexican Heritage and California Life
- Kristine Schomaker
- 40 minutes ago
- 2 min read
By Jorge Rodriguez-Jimenez Gustavo Rimada is showing his third solo show and largest to date at Thinkspace Projects. The show, titled “Rhythmic Sequence,” brings together his masterfully vivid acrylic paintings and his newly found love for ceramics. Offering mugs with faces that both haunt and delight, Rimada, who was born in Mexico and raised in California, is blending his Mexican heritage and his California lifestyle to create bold and culturally stunning works of art.
Rimada’s ceramic work incorporates Mexican lore and symbolism. The artist created a series of mugs that lean into earthy and rustic colors. Each mug features a human face, skull, or animal face. He created two dozen ceramic pieces for the show and the more subdued colors of the ceramics stand in stunning contrast to the bold and vibrant colors used in his acrylic paintings.
Rimada is known for turning the subjects of his art into historic and cultural icons that art lovers connect with instantaneously. His work is filled with cultural symbolism from Mexico, including skeletons, butterflies, and flowers. These symbols speak to Mexico’s relationship to death and the indomitable spirit of the Mexican people.
Rimada’s journey to art was not linear. His mother was the first to recognize his artistic abilities and encouraged him to pursue his creative passion. As a young adult, he moved from Indio, California to Santa Monica, California to attend The Art Institute of California-Los Angeles. He originally chose Computer Animation but his passion for the education he was getting evaporated after the September 11th attacks. Like many young men at the time, Rimada signed up for the Army and spent years in Alaska as part of the military.
Even though art took a backseat during those times, Rimada still kept drawing and sketching. Shortly after leaving the Army, Rimada became a tattoo artist. This is when his art aesthetic really started to take shape.
“Rhythmic Sequence” brings together the vibrant and captivating paintings that Rimada is known for and his new love of ceramics into one show. Observing the work together feels both enlightening and grounded. The bright surrealist paintings with geometrical aspects are filled with whimsy. The dark glazed stoneware grounds the show offering visitors a show that celebrates the duality that so many experience in their own lives.
“Rhythmic Sequence” is currently showing at Thinkspace Projects through April 25, 2026.
THINKSPACE PROJECTS
4217 W. Jefferson Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90016
310-558-3375
Jorge Rodriguez-Jimenez is an art lover drawn to work that uplifts and highlights the cultures and experiences of marginalized communities. He has lived in Los Angeles for 12 years and has spent his time immersing himself in art shows across the city. He is a strong believer that art is good for the soul and that good art can change your perspective on life and the world around you. When he isn't checking out new art shows and gallery openings, he is usually at home with his husband and pets with something baking in the oven.
