CONTACT
Email: MarlenLugoArt@gmail.com
Instagram: @magiclava
ARTIST STATEMENT
My work incorporates aspects of the surreal. Dreams and ideas take life in fantastical characters that build a narrative arc.
I allow for my forms to manifest through the pen, flowing and scratching the surface of paper to inhabit a space that is not fixed. As dismembered parts or exquisite corpses, I assemble them organically with water based paints into one whole allegory. The results are amorphous, ever changing and whimsical.
The viewer can identify, or not, with an aspect of themselves. One thing today, another tomorrow. Not limited to visual reverie, their context gives them life and meaning. Nature comes through and gets re-interpreted. I am their tool of portrayal and through my personal aesthetic they emerge.
The latest body of work is inspired by an imaginary place called The Republic of Wonder. Here, in buoyancy, my characters are portrayed in singular activities that could define them; however these characters have tools and aspirations that are interchangeable with other members of the Republic.
They are shown at times surrounded by geometric patterns to give them dimension in a physical reality, as if physicality will contain their boundless nature.
We can say that they have transcended time and move through elements and eras to become complete souls in eternal disorder.
ABOUT MARLEN
Marlen Lugo was born and raised in Puerto Rico and spent her childhood between San Juan and her family’s finca in Caguas. This provided a rich environment where events and stories took on magical qualities that continue to influence her work today.
Lugo received a BFA from Tufts University and the Museum School of Fine Art.
She has lived, worked, and exhibited in Boston, NYC, and Los Angeles. She now resides in the countryside near Nashville, TN.
She travels frequently to explore new landscapes to influence ideas for her work.
AWARDS, GRANTS & EXHIBITS
- Massachusetts Artist Foundation Sculpture Fellowship
- The Puertorican Tea House, Cambridge River Festival Commision
- Dulcinea and Her Imaginary Lover, NEA performance Grant
- Marie Walsh Foundation Studio Program NYC
- ICA of Boston group Show
- Revolving Museum Public Art Installations Boston
- Ace Gallery Group Show NYC
- The Distillery Solo show Venice CA
- Aster Studios Group Show Downtown LA