Maria Virginia Abreu: Integrity as a Life Structure
January 6, 2026
Mexican artist Gilda Garza has long explored themes of royalty, feminine strength, and symbolic power in her paintings. Today, she expands that vision into the public realm through her monumental sculptures — works she defines not simply as art pieces, but as “temples of energy.”
Her trilogy — The Queen of Love, The Queen of Light, and The King of Power — represents a complete philosophy of human potential.
What inspired you to transition from painting to monumental sculpture at this stage of your career?
Painting allowed me to explore symbolism intimately, but I felt a calling to move beyond walls and into the world. Monumental sculpture gave me the scale to match the magnitude of the message. I wanted my art to breathe in public spaces — to be experienced, not just observed. This stage of my career felt like the right moment to expand from the canvas into architectural presence.
You describe your works as “temples of energy.” What does that concept represent in today’s world?
In a world that moves fast and often feels disconnected, we need spaces — and symbols — that elevate consciousness. I call my sculptures “temples of energy” because they are not decorative objects; they are vessels of intention. They represent love, light, and power as living forces within each of us.
Why did you choose to create a trilogy — The Queen of Love, The Queen of Light, and The King of Power — instead of a single iconic piece?
Because life is not one-dimensional. Love creates. Light elevates. Power protects. Together, they form balance. The trilogy reflects a complete philosophy of human potential — masculine and feminine energy coexisting in harmony. It is not just a collection; it is a symbolic architecture.
How does your Mexican heritage influence the symbolism and spirit of your monumental sculptures?
Mexico is a country rich in symbolism, spirituality, and strength. My heritage lives in the emotional intensity of my work — in the color, in the devotion, in the reverence for legacy. Even when my sculptures travel internationally, their soul carries the spirit of Mexico: resilient, luminous, and proud.
What does your collaboration in Murano, Italy, mean for your artistic legacy and global positioning?
Murano represents centuries of mastery and permanence. Collaborating there is both an honor and a responsibility. It symbolizes a dialogue between cultures — Mexico and Italy — tradition and innovation. For me, it is about placing Mexican artistic vision within a global narrative of excellence.
What responsibility do you feel when placing art in public spaces where millions can interact with it?
Public art must inspire without exclusion. When someone stands before one of my Queens, I want them to feel seen, elevated, and empowered. Art in public space becomes part of daily life — and that carries responsibility. It must uplift.
How do your Queens reflect feminine leadership and empowerment in contemporary society?
My Queens do not represent dominance — they represent conscious strength. They embody compassion, intelligence, resilience, and vision. Feminine leadership today is about elevating others while standing firmly in one’s power. That is the energy I sculpt.
What makes your monumental sculptures not only visually powerful but also highly collectible?
Beyond scale, they carry narrative, symbolism, and intention. They are produced with precision, documentation, and strategic vision. These works are designed to become heritage pieces — not only admired today, but inherited tomorrow.
As your trilogy travels across major cities, what kind of transformation do you hope it sparks in those who encounter it?
I hope people see themselves reflected in the sculptures. I hope they recognize their own crown — their capacity to love deeply, think consciously, and act with empowered integrity. If someone walks away feeling elevated, then the sculpture has fulfilled its purpose.
What are you currently working on?
I am currently developing a new series of bronze sculptures for both interior and exterior spaces. This collection expands my monumental vision into timeless, architectural forms designed to live with collectors and within landscapes. Bronze allows me to explore permanence, strength, and legacy in a refined and enduring way.