photo by: mouty shackelford
If you frequent the top art galleries in Dallas/Fort Worth, it is highly likely that you have already seen his work. But should you ever have the occasion to meet Colombo-American sculptor and creator Bernardo Vallarino, you will encounter a kind and vibrant man that wears his passions on his sleeves. And speaking of sleeves, this guy brings it in the fashion department. You would be hard pressed to find a better dressed and more stylishly coifed artist outside of New York City!
I’m told by his closest confidants that his work takes a lot out of him emotionally, but he is proud to bring such conversations and movements to life. They say that it is truly his life’s mission. In my conversations with him, he has echoed the same sentiment.
“Human suffering, violence, politics, abuse of power, control and hypocrisy are themes I explore in my work.”
PEDACITOS DE PAZ
Bernardo is not your typical artist. He has a true voice, and he uses it to explore deep and meaningful subjects. Contrary to many other artists who prefer to work solitarily, Bernardo often includes others to participate and collaborate on his visual art, large installations, and other art-centric projects. For example, I participated in a ribbon-making ceremony/performance art experience that he coordinated and hosted to honor the victims of the Uvalde, Texas elementary school tragedy earlier this year.
We all sat at a long table, cutting, folding and pinning together white remembrance ribbons. Vallarino’s only request was that everyone stay silent and let the experience move you. Most attendees were understandably somber; others had tears coming down their faces. Participating in this experience touched our collective souls. Importantly, it wouldn’t have occurred without the beautiful vision and efforts of Bernardo.
His current exhibit, “The Butterfly Case” is on display at Love Texas Art gallery in downtown Fort Worth. The story behind this impressive installation is fascinating. The original vision involved a performance art piece, but the pandemic forced Vallarino to retool his plan. Like so many of his works, it maintained his frequent message of paying tributes to victims and bringing awareness of the human condition, but in a slightly different format.
photo Courtesy of the artist - the butterfly case exhibit at love texas art gallery 2022
Per his official artist description, “This immersive multi-media solo exhibition touches on themes of apathy, racism, and classicism towards groups including minorities, migrants, and the houseless through ornate, precious, doctrine-evoking displays. The artworks include butterflies, mirrors, panhandlers’ signs, homeless’ begging cups, and many other objects and media used as vehicles for introspection. The artworks are meant to ask the viewer to consider the value of those living and reflect on how we each treat all humans.” The opening was packed with people, and Bernardo (in his Colombian-inspired attire) and his collection absolutely knocked it out of the park.
Based on everything that I’ve seen, I believe it’s just a matter of time before we see his work in a museum! He is a high caliber artist that is focused on the message. I look forward to seeing more expressions of his unique vision on an even bigger platform in the future.
Check out Bernardo’s website to learn more! www.bernardovallarinoart.com
+ attend his artist talk on Thursday, December 15 at 6pm at Love Texas Art Gallery (501 Houston Street, Fort Worth)
HUMAN (TOP) 2022
CRUSHED UNDER THE PRESSURE 2022
we found the problem (UN-HUMAN project)
"i am" - remembrance performannce
Article by: Mouty Shackelford, mouty@artsyscoop.com
