The art world is abuzz with the latest exhibit, “Life or Something Like It,” by Colombian-born artist Hermes Berrío. Berrío’s mixed-media artwork, a collection of large-scale canvases, seeks to reinvent the self in the face of adversity. Through his art, Berrío aims to humanize the immigrant experience, capturing the ongoing “transformation of humanity and society.”
- Portraits of immigrant workers
- Paintings of masked children in a park during the pandemic
- Self-portraits of the artist himself
Table of Contents
The Artist’s Journey
Hermes Berrío’s art is a testament to the power of transformation. Berrío’s mixed-media exhibit, which took five to seven years to create, combines realism with surreal, dreamlike elements. The artwork, which channels empathy with life-sized canvases, compels audiences to feel “as if they could step into the painting.”
| Berrío’s Work | Tools Used | Description |
| Paintings | Acroics, aerosol, textiles, and gold leaf | Repurposing materials to challenge notions of value and permanence |
| Portraits | Realism with surreal, dreamlike elements | Capturing the complexities of everyday life |
The Artist’s Perspective
“By repurposing materials, I challenge notions of value and permanence, emphasizing reinvention as a means of survival,” Berrío said. “I realized what I should be painting was my story — my story as an immigrant, as a father, as a man,” he said. “Since then, my work has evolved into documentary, surreal paintings of everyday life.”
“I think it’s only fair for me to show that. For me, they are invisible giants. They’re the ones that keep this society rolling, and people don’t see that. I think it’s only fair for me to show that,”
The Importance of Humanization
The contentious dialogue surrounding illegal and legal immigration has remained in the national headlines. The U.S., in particular, is in the middle of figuring out how to keep its borders secure while still treating people fairly. Berrío’s work aims to humanize the immigrant experience, shining a light on the often-overlooked stories of those affected by these policies.
- Reinventing the self
- Documenting everyday life
- Humanizing the immigrant experience
Exhibition Details
The exhibit, “Life or Something Like It,” will be on display at the Armory Art Center in West Palm Beach until May 9, 2025. Visitors can find more information on the exhibit’s details