Marcelo Eli Sarmiento

Lives and works in Chicago, IL

Artist statement

Marcelo Eli Sarmiento (b. 1989 Chicago) is an American artist whose art serves as a bridge between the contemporary narrative and the rich tapestry of pre-Columbian symbolism, drawing inspiration from his Mexican and Ecuadorian heritage. Through a fusion of traditional elements and modern expressions, he aims to create a visual dialogue that resonates with the complexities of our shared human experience. His work invites viewers to explore the intersections of culture, identity, and time, fostering a deeper connection to both the past and present. Marcelo, residing and creating in the Chicago area, has established a significant presence in the art scene. Noteworthy solo exhibitions encompass "Love Yours" at Baby Blue Gallery in 2023, "Soft and Heavy" at Central Server Works in Los Angeles in 2022, and "Be without Fear" showcased at Uncurated Gallery Online in 2022. His diverse artistic exploration is evident in exhibitions like "De Sangre, De Tierra y De Oro" at AMFM/Compound Yellow Gallery in 2021. Participation in group exhibitions, including the international "Thought Forms" at Central Servers Works/Marian Projects in Paris in 2023, reflects Marcelo's global impact. Other notable group shows feature "Wouldn't you love to know?" at Half Gallery in Berkshire, MA, "Alternating Currents" at Fridman Gallery in New York City in 2021, and "Sabor Interno" at Belong Gallery in Chicago. Awards and residencies, such as The Center Program Hyde Park Art Center and the Tanda...

Artwork

• New mode, 2023. Oil on canvas
• Warrior spirit, 2023. Oil on canvas
• Nuestra mama la vida eterno/Cemihcac Yolilztli/Eternal life, 2023. Oil on canvas
• Deep rooted/amor eterno , 2023. Oil on canvas
• Rich spirit, 2023. Oil on canvas
• Corazón del montañas, 2023. Oil on canvas
• Con el sol, 2023. Oil on canvas
• Warrior mother, 2023. Oil on canvas
• Ghost dreams, 2023. Oil on canvas
• Companeros/Venus and Jupiter, 2023. Oil on canvas
• Temple legends, 2023. Oil on linen
• Elegido, 2023. Oil on canvas
• Everything scatter, 2023. Oil on found wood panel
• Jaguar Claw, 2023. Oil on canvas
• Smiling Monarch/Ace/Let go/YNG KNG, 2023. Oil on canvas in found window frame
• Yellow Matriarch , 2023. Oil on canvas
• Blue Matriarch , 2023. Oil on canvas
• Red Matriarch , 2023. Oil
• Flower Prince , 2023. Oil on linen
• Fully formed/free smoke, 2023. Oil on canvas
• Sun Moon , 2023. Oil on linen
• Only crave love , 2023. Acrylic, oil pastel and enamel on cavas
• Ocelopilli Jaguar Warrior, 2023. Oil on canvas
• Yo Contra yo,/Tlacochalcatl, 2023. Oil on canvas
• Sigue Feliz, 2022. Watercolor on paper
• Sagrado, 2022. Oil pastel on paper
• Don’t look back, 2022. Oil pastel on paper
• Gray Jaguar Warrior, 2022. Oil pastel on paper
• Hunting in the moonlight, 2022. Oil on canvas
• Royal we, 2022. Oil on canvas
• All the pain you hold makes you worth your weight in gold, 2022. Acrylic on canvas wood support
• Outer realms , 2022. Acrylic, wood, canvas, and nails on wooden door
• Unity , 2022. Acrylic, latex enamel, spray paint and hinges on wooden doors
• Only the real survive eternity, 2022. Oil on canvas
• As the rush comes, the impossible fades away, 2022. Oil on canvas
• Fives days of rain , 2021. Oil on canvas
• Ancestral sun, 2021. Oil on canvas
• Mad solar, 2021. Oil on canvas
• Master Plan, 2021. Oil on canvas
• Pink skies when the sun goes down, 2021. Watercolor on paper