Artist Bio
Basilio (Daniel) Gonzales was born in Manila, Philippines in 2001. He received his AAS degree from the College of Southern Maryland in 2023. Gonzales’ work has been featured in student exhibitions at the Walter Grove II Memorial Gallery in La Plata and a duo exhibition at the Charles Regional Medical Center Gallery in La Plata. Being a member of Kappa Pi Beta Mu Chapter, Gonzales’ work will be featured alongside fellow artists at the Gilchrist Gallery in Cumberland in April 2024. Gonzales is currently working towards his BFA at Frostburg State University.
Artist Statement
"Growing up in a family where personal expression was something to be ashamed about, photography became my refuge that was hidden in plain sight. In the age of digital photography, it helped that there was no need for a physical manifestation of my work. I did not have to hide a physical journal or sketchbook that would have provided a window into unnecessary and embarrassing thoughts and feelings. For a period of time, my work existed as mere 1’s and 0’s that could easily be dismissed as a “pretty photographs.” It wasn’t long after this discovery of a safe haven that I gravitated towards creating black and white photographs. The abstract quality of black and white photography deeply interested me. It was as if I was peering into an alternate universe that spoke in manageable shades of light and dark. Still, a sense of longing to exist firmly and unashamedly persisted, which I think was remedied by darkroom photography. The physical nature of it became a sort of excuse to take up space unapologetically. The consequences of creating a photograph became tangible with negatives and prints. This allowed me to confront and embrace my identity and experiences without being ashamed. I cannot say I know for certain what the common thread or theme is in my overall work. However, I can say that the photographs stand as a testament to resilience and self-discovery."
