María Berrío

María Berrío is a contemporary Colombian artist, known for her intricate, mixed-media works on paper that explore themes of identity, memory, and the experiences of women. Berrío's pieces often feature female figures, layered with colorful, dreamlike landscapes and intricate patterns, drawing inspiration from her own experiences and Colombian folklore.

Biography of María Berrío: From Bogotá to Brooklyn

María Berrío was born in 1982 in Bogotá, where her artistic exploration began amidst the beauty of her family's mountainside farm. This deep connection with nature formed a foundation for her work, even as she moved to New York City at eighteen. Berrío received her Bachelor of Fine Arts from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago in 2004 and her Master of Fine Arts from Hunter College in New York City in 2009. Today, Berrío resides in Brooklyn, but Colombia's influence remains evident, a testament to the enduring power of childhood experiences.

María Berrío's Art Style: The Power of the Feminine

Berrío's signature style utilizes meticulously layered Japanese paper. These collages create vibrant worlds populated primarily by women. While the compositions often evoke a sense of refuge or utopia, Berrío isn't afraid to confront harsh realities. Works like "Oda a la Esperanza" (Ode to Hope, 2019) subtly address political issues, here referencing the Trump administration's family separation policy. Another artwork "Wildflowers" (2017) features a central railway carriage, possibly symbolizing either the New York City subway or La Bestia, the train used by migrants traveling across Mexico to the US border. The artwork portrays a multitude of women, children, and animals. Through her art, Berrío encourages reflection on migration, displacement, and the strength found in the face of adversity.

The women featured prominently in Berrío's work are more than figures; they are ideals. Described as possessing both vulnerability and strength, these ethereal beings represent the multifaceted power women embody. Berrío challenges traditional notions of femininity, encompassing the warrior spirit alongside the nurturing mother. These women are survivors, navigating hardship with grace and resilience. The artist's recent "bathers" series further explores this theme, showcasing solitary female figures engaged in rituals of self-care amidst surreal landscapes.

A Recognized Voice: Bridging Cultures and Inspiring Change

María Berrío's work has garnered significant recognition. Her pieces are included in prestigious collections like the Whitney Museum of American Art and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Solo exhibitions at institutions such as the ICA Boston and The Norton Museum of Art have further established her presence in the contemporary art scene. Beyond the art world, Berrío's message resonates with its exploration of social issues and the ongoing struggle for a more equitable future. Through her layered worlds, she invites viewers to contemplate the beauty and resilience found within humanity.

She has exhibited her work in numerous solo and group exhibitions, including at the Brooklyn Museum, the Pérez Art Museum Miami, and the Museum of Contemporary Art Cleveland. Her artwork can also be found in various public and private collections, including the Smithsonian American Art Museum and the Perez Art Museum Miami.

Berrío has been the recipient of several awards and honors, including the Joan Mitchell Foundation Painters and Sculptors Grant in 2019 and the Pollock-Krasner Foundation Grant in 2016. Her intricate works continue to captivate audiences around the world with their delicate and detailed beauty.