Dream. Play. Create.
Augusto Esquivel is a self-taught artist born and raised in Buenos Aires, Argentina, whose work delves deep into the complexities of immigrant identity and the pervasive influence of capitalism. His artistic journey reflects the dualities faced by immigrants—the hope for a better life contrasted with the harsh realities of exploitation, marginalization, and the potential erosion of one's cultural identity. Capitalism, with its relentless demand for labor and profit, often dictates the paths of those who migrate, shaping their lives in profound ways. Through his work, Esquivel captures the emotional and physical toll of these journeys, illustrating the delicate balance between dreams of prosperity and the sacrifices made in the pursuit of survival.
Esquivel's choice of medium—industrial and repurposed buttons—pays tribute to his grandmother's resourcefulness and resilience. The buttons, a symbol of her ingenuity, are transformed in Esquivel's hands into intricate and evocative pieces of art. His grandmother's influence is palpable, as she used a simple tin can as a sewing box to create something out of nothing. This matriarchal presence is a guiding force in Esquivel's work, reminding him of the strength and creativity passed down through generations.
Esquivel's work is not only a personal exploration but also a commentary on the broader immigrant experience. His art has resonated with audiences across the globe, leading to exhibitions in numerous countries and inclusion in both public and private collections. Now based in Wynwood, Florida, Esquivel continues to create and exhibit his work full-time, contributing to the vibrant artistic community in Miami while reflecting on the universal themes of identity, resilience, and the human cost of economic systems.
Exhibitions
2025 Palm Beach Modern+Contemporary, Aldo Castillo Gallery, Palm Beach, FL
2024 Art Miami, Aldo Castillo Gallery, Miami, FL
2024 Palm Beach Modern+Contemporary, Aldo Castillo Gallery, Palm Beach, FL
2023 “Beyond the Mundane – Buttons In Art”, Aldo Castillo Gallery, Naples, FL
2023 Art Miami, Aldo Castillo Gallery, Miami, FL
2022 Art Miami, Aldo Castillo Gallery, Miami, FL
2022 Los Colores De Miami, Hartvest Project at Pinecrest Gardens, Pinecrest, FL
2021 Art Miami, Aldo Castillo Gallery, Miami, FL
2020 Art Palm Beach, The Directed Art Modern, Palm Beach, FL
2019 Art Context, Aldo Castillo Gallery, Miami, FL
2019 Scope Miami Beach, The Directed Art Modern, Miami, FL
2019 Pinta Miami, Ignacio Irazoqui Gallery, Miami, FL
2019 Market Art+Design, The Directed Art Modern, New York, NY
2019 All That Glisters Is Not Gold, Laundromat Art Space, Miami, FL
2019 The Palette Project, Lowes Art Museum, Miami, FL
2019 “Bear/Bare With Me”: Altered States, Bernice Steinbaum Gallery, Miami, FL
2018 “Homo Faber. Poetics Of Daily Life. Recovered Paths. Weaved Nature.” Hartvest Project at Pinecrest Gardens, Pinecrest, FL
2018 Rocking Chair Sessions 1-50 exhibit, Bakehouse Art Complex, Miami, FL
2018 “It’s Hot Miami”, Bernice Steinbaum Gallery, Miami, FL
2018 Art Boca Raton, Irazoqui Gallery, Boca Raton, FL
2018 “Fragile Nature”, Hartvest Project at Pinecrest Gardens, Pinecrest, FL
2017 Art Miami, “Fragile Ecologies II”, Bernice Steinbaum Gallery, Miami, FL
2017 Art Aspen, Bernice Steinbaum Gallery, Miami, FL
2017 Multiple Shapes of Air, The Bakehouse Art Complex, Miami, FL
2017 Palm Beach Modern+Contemporary, Luz Art Space, Palm Beach, FL
2016 Art Miami, Now Contemporary Gallery, Miami, FL
2016 Art Wynwood, Now Contemporary Gallery, Miami, FL
2015 Art Miami, Now Contemporary Gallery, Miami, FL
2015 Art Southampton, Now Contemporary Gallery, Southampton, NY
2015 Art Wynwood, Now Contemporary Gallery, Miami, FL
2014 Art Context, Aldo Castillo Gallery, Miami, FL
2014 Never Upon a Time, Now Contemporary Gallery, Miami, FL
2014 Art Wynwood, Now Contemporary Gallery, Miami, FL
2013 Art Miami, Now Contemporary Gallery, Miami, FL
2012 Scope New York, Now Contemporary Gallery, New York, NY
2012 Art Miami, Now Contemporary Gallery, Miami, FL
2012 ArtBo, Now Contemporary Gallery, Bogota, Colombia
2012 Art Southampton, Now Contemporary Gallery, Southampton, NY
2012 Art Wynwood, Now Contemporary Gallery, Miami, FL
2011 Melange, Now Contemporary Gallery, Miami, FL
2011 Scope New York, Now Contemporary Gallery, New York, NY
2010 Art Miami, Now Contemporary Gallery, Miami, FL
2010 ArtBo, Now Contemporary Gallery, Bogota, Colombia