Alfonso "Piloto" Nieves Ruiz is a visionary artist who transforms clay and discarded items into captivating works of art. 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. Through his art, Piloto Nieves has established himself as a masterful storyteller, highlighting the resilience, struggles, and triumphs of communities and individuals who often go unseen. His work is a testament to the power of art to inspire, educate and provoke change, and his dedication to his craft continues to captivate audiences around the world.

Through his unique artistic style, Piloto creates works that engage the community and spark conversations around social justice and environmental issues. His dedication to teaching and sharing his artistry has led him to become an instructor at various institutions, including Northeastern University's Center for College Access and Success, the Son y Arte Community Art Camp, U-CAN Colorado, Mexico, and Puerto Rico. He is currently an artist in residence for the ARTivist program of Americas for Conservation + the Arts, the leading national brown-led organization that integrates art and science to advance real-world cultural and environmental resiliency in the face of climate change. Through this work, Piloto has been able to inspire communities to take action towards positive change.

Piloto's contributions to the art world have not gone unnoticed. He has received widespread recognition for his exceptional talent and commitment to creating meaningful art. His work has been exhibited at prestigious venues, including the Denver Museum of Nature and Science, the National Museum of Mexican Art, Expo Chicago, Museo MIT in Torino, Italy, the Field Museum, Navy Pier, Garfield Park Conservatory, and the National Botanical Garden of La Habana, Cuba. He is a true visionary artist whose work transcends boundaries and inspires us to see the world in a different light.

Recently, Piloto has completed a permanent sculpture in La Habana, Cuba during the XIII Art Biennial, which was created in collaboration with the community and Cintio Vitier socio-cultural project. Additionally, he has collaborated with the Field Museum, Hector Duarte, and the communities to create a breathtaking 30-foot circular sculpture located at the Burnham Wildlife Corridor. This stunning sculpture draws inspiration from the symbolic significance of the monarch butterfly, the importance of living in harmony with nature, and the theme of migration. Piloto currently has two exceptional traveling shows that have garnered critical acclaim. The first is a touching tribute to the 43 students from Ayotzinapa, titled “¡Ayotzi vive, la lucha sigue!”. The second is a powerful exhibit honoring 12 environmental activists, some of whom have lost their lives in Latin America and Mexico while protecting their communities and environment. His art is a reflection of his journey, and he uses it as a platform to showcase the beauty, struggles, and strength of his culture.

Piloto invites you to visit his new restaurant Zentli, a vibrant space that has woven together his passion for flavorful and wholesome Mexican cuisine with his own art. Zentli is a place where people from all walks of life can come together and experience the beauty of Mexican culture with an artistic flair. Whether you're a foodie, an art lover, or simply someone who appreciates the unique blend of culinary and artistic creativity, Zentli is a must-visit destination. Come and witness the magic that Piloto has created, and join him in his mission to create a more inclusive and equitable world.