Artist Bio:
Maria Jaramillo is a visual artist born in Guayaquil, Ecuador, currently based in Florida. She is pursuing her Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) in Painting at the University of Central Florida, where she is in her senior year. Her work primarily focuses on painting using acrylic and charcoal, often exploring themes of politics, identity, and memory. While early in her professional career, Jaramillo is developing a body of work that reflects both personal and cultural narratives through emotionally charged imagery and layered materials.
Artist Statement:
I paint to explore and express my personal connection to Ecuador, particularly my childhood experiences, family life, and the rich culture and traditions of the coastal region. Through my work, I reflect on aspects of Ecuadorian culture and social status, examining both the beauty and the inequalities present in daily life. Using acrylic, charcoal, and ink, I create visual narratives that draw on nostalgic memories, communal celebrations, and local scenes involving food, animals, and familial gatherings, blending them with reflections on social and human connections. My work seeks to connect the stories of the Ecuadorian coast to universal themes of memory, nostalgia, celebration, inequality, and human connection, inviting viewers to experience a mix of nostalgia, contemplation, and joy. I develop my own visual language rooted in texture, detail, and emotional tension, aiming to leave viewers reflecting on the intertwined beauty and complexity of culture, family, and society.
