Artist Biography
Isabella Merlos, an emerging artist from Arlington Virginia, fuses diverse mediums to craft evocative narratives. Established in fine arts, Isabella has polished her talents in painting, oil pastel, design, and screen printing. Her ability to story tell and create intricate concepts leads to her continual attraction. Isabella's work has adorned galleries, including Visarts Center, Falls Church Gallery, Dupont Underground, and more. She was selected by renowned artist and activist Diane Burko for a National Group Exhibition at Target Gallery in 2022. Isabella received an Honorable Mention Award at the 2023 D.C Regional Juried Exhibit, fostering a gateway to her first solo exhibition at Hill Center in the fall of 2023. Promptly followed by her second solo exhibition “Internal X External World'' at Rhizome in March 2024. Isabella’s art strives to challenge perspectives, by invoking profound emotions that foster empathy, connection, and deeper understanding among viewers. Isabella's art continues to evolve, pushing creative boundaries and inviting audiences to partake in her imaginative voyage.
Artist Statement
My creative process is a battle between the therapeutic and the intricate. Central to my art is the pursuit of fostering empathy within viewers. In a divided world I believe art that can evoke empathy for one another can encourage the abilities of our humanity and warmth. Within my work I craft somber narratives and conceptual stories, unfolding feelings of understanding and empathy. Conversely, my abstract endeavors delve into my personal complexities of navigating throughout this world and society. I search for freedom within my abstract art, something I struggle to experience in my internal and external world. I grapple with my experience of disparities that challenge me and many individuals like me, often leading to setbacks and disadvantages. I find myself in play when creating abstract art, even if I feel so melancholic, my creativity flows on the canvas arraying playful designs and colors.