Included: artist signed card, artwork description and certificate of authenticity.

“Breadcrumb Style” 
1/1 Digital Artwork. JPG 18.3MB

“Breadcrumb Style” is a dynamic artwork that is a symbolic portrayal of Bello’s artistic journey to date. Taking inspiration from the gestural style of artist Cy Twombly, this creation is about ‘not thinking’ and ‘letting go’. Rooted in inner emotions and the complexities of external reality, it presents a rich mesh of intriguing elements and allusions. Amongst the imagery are words and even reference to the song “Antpile” by Dominic Fike. The viewer will see new interpretations everytime they look at this artwork. Created between the summer of 2023 and January 2024, this artwork took many forms before reaching its conclusion.

"To escape the maze, one must first understand it. Only then can true freedom be achieved.”—The Hall of Egress

Breadcrumb Style

“What’s Egress Again?”
1/1 Digital Artwork. JPG 14.9MB

In "What's Egress Again?" by Bello, the artwork becomes a vessel for a spontaneous outpouring of emotion. Intended as a symbol of redemption and the start of a journey towards sobriety, it instead serves as a stark reminder of broken promises and ongoing struggles. This painting stands as a poignant centerpiece of Bello's exhibition, "EGRESS."

The imagery within the piece speaks volumes. A foot, mired in muddy waters, reflects a sense of stagnation and immobility, symbolizing the artist's feeling of being trapped in place. Meanwhile, a heart attempts to reach out, seeking connection with the foot, yet falling short—fragmented, uncertain, and lacking confidence.

"It's not about finding the right path. It's about finding your path."—The Hall of Egress

What's Egress Again?

“LORP”
1/1 Digital Artwork. JPG 14MB

"LORP" delves into Bello’s personal narrative through layers of intricate symbolism. The large whimsical bird symbol, representing innocence and vulnerability, contrasts with the bone being crushed beneath the weight of self-sabotage. This juxtaposition highlights the artist's rejection of external support, opting instead for self-deception. The foot symbolizes the artist's struggle with their outward display of emotions—trampled underfoot, weakening their resolve. The Teepee serves as a homage to Basquiat, referencing a poem from his notes, adding a layer of cultural resonance to the composition.

This artwork invites viewers to contemplate the complexities of self-perception and the enduring struggle for authenticity in the face of adversity.

"The key to unlocking the path lies within yourself."—The Hall of Egress

LORP

“DLDTA”
1/1 Digital Artwork. JPG 18.9MB

“DLDTA” (Don't Let's Do That Again) encapsulates Bello’s tumultuous journey through the summer of 2019. This artwork holds a special significance to Bello. The title reflects the relentless cycle of self-destructive behavior—a pattern of drinking, regret, and repetition. The ‘eyes’ silently acknowledge the artist's troubles, while the ladder to the tree house represents retreat into isolation and introspection. The water evokes the sensation of drowning amidst the backdrop of life. The symbolic presence of birds offers a glimpse into his connection to the natural world—a world that provided solace even amidst darkness. "DLDTA" serves as a raw, unfiltered reflection of the artist's struggles and triumphs.

"Sometimes, the hardest obstacles are the ones we create for ourselves."—The Hall of Egress

DLDTA

“Dungeon Train”
1/1 Digital Artwork. JPG 17.4MB

"Dungeon Train" offers a glimpse into Bello’s inner sanctum, with the full significance of its title veiled within the pages of the artist’s secret journal.

Initiated amidst the chaos of Annapolis Arts Week and the haze of personal grief, this piece unfolded over the span of eight months. It stands as a testament to the enduring nature of personal obsessions, depicted as a relentless dungeon train of repetitive, self-destructive behaviors.

The motif of ‘Child Pose’ speaks to Bello’s awareness of the immature choices made during this chapter of his life. It's a poignant reflection on the cyclical nature of his actions.

"Dungeon Train" invites viewers into Bello’s private realm, offering a glimpse into the labyrinthine depths of his psyche. It's a raw, unfiltered exploration of regret, and the struggle for redemption.

"The mind can be a prison or a pathway. Choose wisely how you navigate it."—The Hall of Egress

Dungeon Train

“Something’s Different”
1/1 Digital Artwork. JPG 10MB

In the intimate space of Bello's studio, "Something's Different" emerged, a transformative piece crafted by working over a beloved previous work. Amidst rare tranquility in his mind, Bello commenced this creation sober, only to succumb to the intoxicating flow of emotions, marking a familiar descent into a "drunk again" art session.

Symbolic motifs adorned the canvas: teardrops symbolizing his battles with depression and substance abuse, high heels honoring the powerful women who raised him, bones representing maturity and support, and spiders embodying the mercy he sought in Rudy Francisco's poem.

Through "Something's Different," Bello invited viewers into his tumultuous world, where chaos and redemption intertwine. This creation is a testament to his journey, a beacon of hope amidst darkness, and a reminder of the resilience of the human spirit.

"In the labyrinth of life, every dead end is a new beginning."—The Hall of Egress

Something's Different

“The Foyer”
1/1 Digital Artwork. JPG 21MB

Bello's artwork, "The Foyer," blossomed from an impromptu collaboration at a live painting event in Maryland Hall, Annapolis. Children's spontaneous doodles, despite initial parental concern, became welcomed additions, enhancing the piece's charm. Notably, a child named Riley contributed the "Girof" inscription, adding an authentic touch to the composition.

The creative process involved many layers skillfully scraped off to achieve an aged, weathered aesthetic reminiscent of vintage posters. Bello reflects on his artistic approach, acknowledging a tendency towards spontaneity over deliberation. Despite occasional longing for a more structured method, he recognizes his best work arises when creativity flows naturally in the moment

"What you seek may not be what you find, but what you find may be what you need."—The Hall of Egress

The Foyer

“Trap Door”
1/1 Digital Artwork.  JPG 15.7MB

Bello's artwork, "Trap Door," emerges from a pivotal moment of upheaval and introspection during his time in Easton, Maryland. The piece embodies an ominous, deconstructed visage—a manifestation of Bello's attempt to conceal himself within the lines. Through the interplay of eyes, teeth, and nose, he explores themes of self-concealment and the construction of masks, a motif prevalent in his earlier works showcased in his debut exhibition, "Faces and Phases."

"Trap Door" delves deeper, reflecting a more somber and introspective tone. It serves as a poignant expression of Bello's personal struggles, transcending mere aesthetic exploration to confront his own inner turmoil and quest for identity amidst adversity.

"Sometimes, to go forward, you must first take a step back."—The Hall of Egress

Trap Door

“Egress Means Exit”
1/1 Digital Artwork. JPG 15.3MB

"Egress Means Exit" is an alluring hybrid artwork that seamlessly merges physical and digital realms, inviting you into a dynamic exploration of modern iconography. It pulsates with vitality, drawing the eye to its intricate composition.

A boxing glove hangs suspended, a symbol of resilience and strength. Adjacent, a shoe slips off a foot, suggesting the transient nature of movement and progress. Hovering above, the enigmatic presence of the planet Saturn evokes themes of time, change, and the cosmic mysteries of existence.

Central to the composition, a piercingly large eye gazes outwards, its intense scrutiny hinting at themes of observation, introspection, and societal awareness. Surrounding these focal points, a plethora of other iconic imagery emerges, each element contributing to the rich tapestry of visual narratives within the piece.

"Sometimes you have to face your fears to get to the other side."—The Hall of Egress

Egress Means Exit

"Breadcrumb Style" is a symbolic portrayal of Bello’s artistic journey.

PROOF ARTIST Breadcrumb Style

PROOF ARK Breadcrumb Style

EGRESS

“I'll never forget the tears–mine, my grandma's–as I left Mexico on a bus bound for uncertainty. It was just the beginning of a chaotic journey.”

Luis
Bello

EGRESS

Luis Bello

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Description from the artist