Max Emiliano Gonzales
Max Emiliano Gonzales, also known by his artist name “GEMS”, can be classified as an activist, art educator, muralist, graffiti writer, printmaker, curator and much more. Originally from the Southwest side of Chicago and raised in latino communities, Max brings a unique perspective to Pittsburgh. Max was brought to Pittsburgh in 2012 to attend Carnegie Mellon University's Fine Art program on a full ride Scholarship. By 2016 Max had graduated with honors, secured multiple positions with the University, and was arrested as Pittsburgh’s most wanted graffiti artist. Rather than let the notoriety of his graffiti career dwindle, Max has gone on to develop a career from it as a practicing artist, muralist, curator, and art educator. Max has presented as a guest artist, lectured and run workshops at locations including The University of Pittsburgh, Carnegie Mellon University, Winchester Thurston High School, Youth Places North Side,
McKeesport, and Homewood, Assemble Pgh, and The Environmental Charter School. Max is also a member of Boom Concepts, Wicked Pittsburgh, Hemispheric Conversations Urban Art Project, and Pullproof Studios. Lately, Max has become most well known for his spray paint Murals and community driven Mural events. As a full-time artist and muralist, Max wishes to use his identity and vast knowledge of the arts to serve the public and brighten the walls of any community he may be invited into.
“It definitely provides a sense of collectivism when you are working with artists from the community, when you are working with artists who are expressing something that reflects the community's values or, literally, just reflects the people there. So, if you are putting if you're using a young black artist representing black communities, it creates a sense of identity, the sense of pride. If you are using LGBTQ artists to do a similar thing, to express that sentiment of their community, then it just lets the community know that they are welcome.”
—Max Gonzalez