Ignacio Gana (Larger-Than-Life Painter and Sculptor)
Renowned Latin American artist Ignacio Gana – a Chilean painter and sculptor, has set his eyes on the U.S. market, specifically Miami. Gana, who has already unveiled two of his monumental 16-foot-tall sculptures for the city “Flamingo Girl” in the Design District and “Chocolate Girl” at the prestigious St. Regis Residences in Sunny Isles, each priced at $58,000, has recently announced the debut of his latest collection “The Game” in Miami in early March 2024.
“Flamingo Girl” by Ignacio Gana
After his enormous success in Europe, the Middle East, and South America, Gana is ready to grow his presence in vibrant Miami. His new collection “The Game,” represents the intersection where Contemporary Art and sports converge. Gana fuses art with mainstream sports such as football, basketball, and baseball. The collection consists of 30 pieces that includes different types of artworks such as sculptures, installations, graphics, and limited-edition pieces. The artworks are made out of gold, bronze, Swarovski crystals, or Italian marble. Prices range between $25,000 to $180,000.
Air Jordan 1 Relax 16x16x10 inches Medium Bronze Edition of 10 ($25,000)
Each of Gana’s artworks has a strong narrative, representative of his imagination and appreciation of the human form. His inspiration comes from life itself, from being a father, from music and sports, and most importantly, from his limitless dreams. Gana’s artworks are showcased worldwide in open public spaces, museums, or private collections in individuals’ homes in countries such as Spain, Dubai, Belgium, Italy, Chile, and U.S. cities such as New York, Washington D.C., Los Angeles, and Miami.
Notably, Gana was selected as the “Artist of the Year” by the Latin Grammy Awards in 2017 and has garnered international acclaim for his sophisticated sculptures displayed in prestigious museums and collections worldwide.
Arts Decoder Miami had the privilege of interviewing Ignacio Gana, where he dove deeper into his life as an artist, check it out below!
Arts Decoder Miami: What led you to become an artist?
Ignacio Gana: I was always a dreamy child, envisioning myself as a firefighter, a race car driver, a carpenter, or even a pilot. Machines, airplanes, and factories fascinated me endlessly. I thrived on understanding how things worked—their intricate mechanisms and parts—and I was incredibly observant. Growing up in a bustling household with seven siblings, I learned to be self-reliant, to seek answers independently, and forge my own path.
This upbringing fostered a reflective nature within me, empowering me to make autonomous decisions and chart my own course. Eventually, it led me to embrace my true calling: becoming an artist. I believe that every twist and turn of my life journey has sculpted me into the person I am today—a person who pursues their passions with unwavering dedication and love. I possess the confidence to believe in my artistic vision, the consistency to maintain my convictions, and the ability to transform my observations and musings into tangible works of art.
Arts Decoder Miami: What was the first sculpture that you created?
Ignacio Gana: Selecting my first sculpture was a challenging task, particularly given my background as an architect. Initially, I contemplated creating pieces that focused on spaces, walls, and abstract shapes. However, after much deliberation and numerous sketches, I made the decision to extract the figures from my paintings and transpose them into three-dimensional form. This transformation allows the observer to step into the role of protagonist within a fresh narrative—one where they have the agency to shape their own story and destiny. The sculpture becomes akin to an open book, extending an invitation to delve into the realms of imagination and dream freely.
Arts Decoder Miami: Have any famous people collected any of your artwork?
Ignacio Gana: Absolutely! I have connections with basketball players, singers, and a few actors. Additionally, I’ve had collaborations with notable brands such as Volvo, the Latin Grammys, Burton, F1 Snowboards, and Jack Daniels. Recently, I even had the opportunity to create a sculpture for Playboy. Moreover, several important art collectors and museums have acquired some of my pieces, appreciating and enjoying my art. I find great inspiration in bringing art closer to people. It’s truly incredible how art has the power to inspire and uplift others, moving their energy and potentially even changing the world. To me, art is the essence of life.
Arts Decoder Miami: Why did you choose to release your upcoming collection “The Game” in Miami versus other popular art markets around the United States?
Ignacio Gana: I have a deep passion for outdoor sports and find great joy in immersing myself in nature’s beauty while seeking the thrill of adrenaline. Surfing has become my latest passion, complementing my love for skateboarding and snowboarding. I always keep my boards handy in the car, allowing me to seize any opportunity for a quick ride between my busy schedule of workshops and gallery visits.
A significant moment in my career occurred when a prominent NBA player purchased one of my sculptures depicting a swimmer for his Miami mansion. This sparked an idea: imagining athletes displaying sculptures related to their respective sports in their homes. Inspired by this concept, I embarked on creating a collection comprising 80 pieces, including sculptures, installations, and photographs, all centered around basketball, American football, and soccer. These artworks are crafted from premium materials such as gold, bronze, and exquisite marbles sourced from Italy.
Miami stood out to me as the ideal location to unveil this collection. Not only is it a renowned hub of artistic expression in the United States, but it also boasts a vibrant cultural landscape enriched by its diverse population and global influences.
“The Game” will be a groundbreaking exhibition in the United States, blending the realms of art and sports with unprecedented passion. This endeavor represents a significant departure in my artistic journey, promising to be my most conceptual and avant-garde project to date. I am confident that it will leave a lasting impact, marking a pivotal moment in my career trajectory.
Arts Decoder Miami: What projects are you currently working on and what plans do you have for the future?
Ignacio Gana: Presently, I’m deeply engaged in multiple public projects, notably two monumental sculptures, each towering at 16 feet, slated for installation in Redondo Beach, California. Concurrently, I’m meticulously crafting “Diver,” a striking 15-foot-tall bronze sculpture set to grace the base of Brickell’s tallest skyscraper in Miami. My endeavors extend beyond borders, as I allocate time to fulfill commissions for esteemed collectors and developers in both London and Dubai.
Furthermore, my creative energies are fervently channeled into my latest endeavor, “SEDUCTION” – a captivating collection comprising approximately 100 works that explore the allure, sensuality, and inherent beauty of women. This collection is poised for unveiling in 2025, promising to captivate audiences with its profound exploration of feminine mystique and allure.
Contact Ignacio Gana
Website: ignaciogana.com
