Felix Gonzalez-Torres

American, born Cuba, 1957 - 1996

Cuban-born artist Felix González-Torres made works related to issues such as the AIDS epidemic and the fight for queer rights. González-Torres used the rigid geometries, repeated forms, and single-color palettes of minimalist art to communicate his political messages.

The artist also made many works that invite active audience participation. He often included materials such as licorice pieces, fortune cookies, chocolate, bubble gum, and candies in bright wrappers.

His 1991 work “Untitled” (Ross in L.A.)  allows viewers to take sheets of paper from a large stack, depleting it over time. This work speaks to grief, loss, censorship, and homophobia, bringing a personal perspective to contemporary social issues.