Artist Alfonso ​“Piloto” Nieves Ruiz, whose work is currently on view in Catalyst: Immigration and Self-taught Art in Chicago discusses his practice and piece featured in the exhibition.

Alfonso ​“Piloto” Nieves Ruiz is a visionary artist who transforms clay and discarded items into captivating works of art highlighting the resilience, struggles, and triumphs of communities and individuals who often go unseen. His journey as a former undocumented immigrant from the Sierra Gorda de Guanajuato and Queretaro’s barrios is a testament to the power of art as a tool for self-expression, communication, and transformation.