Luis Bello
Neo-Expressionist 2.0
Luis Bello is gaining attention in the art world for his distinctive style which cuts through the gritty fabric of Neo-Expressionism. His spontaneous and intuitive approach to creation is driven by a desire to capture fleeting memories and emotions in a tangible form, culminating in compelling one-of-a-kind artworks.
Inspired by the artistic legacies of icons such as Jean-Michel Basquiat and Andy Warhol, Bello is a young artist forging his own path, injecting his creations with fresh energy and perspective.
EGRESS
A PERSONAL EXPLORATION OF THE THEME OF EXIT AND TRANSFORMATION
Drawing inspiration from the poignant symbolism of the animated series "Adventure Time," Bello's latest exhibition "Egress" invites viewers on a deeply personal exploration of the theme of exit and transformation.
Bello's artistic journey has been shaped by personal adversities similar to the main character in "Adventure Time", who grapples with a recurring cycle of setbacks. His childhood journey from Mexico to reunite with his mother in the United States, encounters with law enforcement, substance abuse, and entanglement in gang activity, Bello has confronted a series of struggles himself. These challenges catalyzed an internal metamorphosis, sparking marathon art sessions as a means of self-expression and introspection. Through sheer determination and deep reflection, Bello translates his journey into compelling artworks, encapsulating the essence of true freedom by shedding attachments, materialism, and ego. His exhibition "EGRESS" serves as a poignant showcase of artworks that delve into profound themes of confronting life's trials with unwavering honesty and courage.
ARTIST INTERVIEW
Arkhouse: How would you describe yourself as an artist?
Bello: Probably as a medium, or just a shaky left hand transferring the energy within myself and around me onto a piece of paper or canvas.
Arkhouse: Tell us about your exhibition "Egress."
Bello: Egress is a collection of moments for me. Some bad, some worse, some questionable. The name "Egress" came from an episode of Adventure Time called "The Hall of Egress." Egress means exit. This exhibition is titled as such because, much like Finn, the character in the show, I often felt like I was approaching my exit, thinking I was close to good times and stability. But I was wrong—things got worse, then better, then worse again, and so on. Now, my exit seems to be finally approaching, and I’m using my metaphorical feet to inch closer to stability in my personal life, without letting habits constantly interrupt my well-being and relationships. Overall, this collection of artworks represents what came out of the last few years. Every piece was created during those times.
Arkhouse: What do you want viewers to feel when they view your exhibition?
Bello: In many ways, I want people to be a bit confused about it all. The most vulnerable times in my life are, in some shape or form, written on these paintings. Every piece I ever create will always hold parts of me that I'm not comfortable or at peace with.
“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.”
Bello
THE ARTISTIC ODYSSEY OF LUIS BELLO
Luis Bello is a young Neo-Expressionist artist based in Annapolis, Maryland. Even in his mid twenties his life has been a kaleidoscope of experiences, which reflects through his multidisciplinary approach to creativity.
Born in Mexico, his childhood included fond memories of living with his grandmother, finding solace in drawing pictures that he would send to his mother across the border in the United States.
But life's canvas is often splashed with unexpected hues, and for Bello, the transition from Mexico to the United States was a tumultuous stroke. The tearful parting from his grandmother marked the beginning of a very different chapter in his life.
Bello found himself drawn into the seductive embrace of a troubled crowd, entangled in gang activity and substance abuse, the innocence of his childhood quickly faded into the harsh realities of street life.
Yet, amidst the chaos, there was a flicker of light.
Returning to Annapolis after time in juvenile detention, it was Bello’s middle school art teacher who reignited his passion for painting and composing music post recovery. He excelled in a local art program called ‘Jovenes Artistas’, leading to an artist’s residency at Maryland Hall, culminating in a solo exhibition, “Phases and Faces: Paintings by Luis Bello”.
Through mixed media and experimentation, Bello continues to explore the depths of his psyche with fearless abandon. Each creation is a powerful expression, a testament to the human spirit's capacity for resilience and renewal. As his creative journey continues to unfold, he invites us to join him on this extraordinary odyssey of self-discovery.
