Nelson Guda

Nelson Guda began studying art as a child at the Cleveland Museum of Art and went on to study fine art and physics at Carnegie-Mellon University. During university, he spent three years in Japan studying with contemporary artists and traditional masters. He had his first solo show in Japan and then returned to the US to earn a BA in architecture and a PhD in biology. In 2000 Nelson helped establish the Environmental Science Institute at UT Austin.

In 2007, Nelson left the sciences and moved back to art full time. He used his background in biology to focus his artwork on a politically controversial conservation issue with National Forest lands, and in the winter of 2009 had his first major U.S. exhibit in the rotunda of the US Senate building in Washington, DC.. During this time Nelson developed his philosophy that actions and decisions in life are the purest form of art.

In 2010, Nelson conceived of a project to blur the boundary between art and life. Called the "Enemies Project," he traveled to conflict zones around the world to bring people together who consider themselves to be enemies. Now, after traveling six months out of every year for his art, Nelson has resettled in Austin where he is building a startup magazine and creator community dedicated to connecting people who use creativity in any area of life.

ABOUT THE MUSIC

Every month, Austin features a local artist who helps make Austin the Live Music Capital of the World. This event featured a live performance by Gabriel Santiago. You can support Gabriel Santiago by listening on Spotify, or Apple Music. You can also follow Gabriel Santiago on Instagram or Facebook.