Delvin Lugo, "Belt of Venus"
Oil on canvas
60”X 72”
2022
The “Belt of Venus” refers to the atmospheric phenomenon that creates a pink band in the sky at sunrise and sunset. This work depicts the artist's friends in the Dominican Republic in an effort to reconnect with community and home. Lugo explores the concepts of chosen family while he's in search of connection with his home country he left decades ago.
STATEMENT
Delvin Lugo’s paintings explore the theme of chosen family and intimacy within LGBTQ+ community in the Dominican Republic and NYC diaspora. He captures moments where friends are engaged in simple pleasures like a poetry reading, playing music, a lover’s embrace, and participating in Pride month caravans.
It’s a social engagement project where Lugo starts by connecting with his subjects through social media and also inviting people he’s connected with through his art shows. His subjects invite their chosen family to be photographed as they enjoy conversations, libations, and even dancing.
Lugo begins by creating collages composed of photos taken during their meetings and of tropical vegetation. It is followed by sketches and small acrylic studies. The clothing on his subjects feels like a second skin. Lugo is the son of tailors and considers fabric his first artistic medium. His colors range from neon to subdued at the same time complementing the resilient, tender, confrontational, and defiant personalities in his work.
For many in the LGBTQ+ community, the idea of family goes beyond pre-assigned roles and biological ties. Their chosen families enhance and reflect our vibrancy and provide unconditional support. Initially, they experience aberrance individually, and then venture forth into the world and discover commonality. Lugo’s paintings create a world where his subjects true selves are on full display because a safe space has been created.
BIO
Delvin Lugo (b.1977, Dominican Republic) lives and works in New York City. He attended Maine College of Art where he studied for two years before moving to NYC to complete his studies at the School of Visual Arts. Upon completing art school, fashion styling became his creative outlet. Being surrounded by many creative designers inspired him to create and paint again. Delvin is a recent grant finalist of the Hopper Prize, and his work has been featured in New American Painting issue #152 and ESSE Magazine.
Oil on canvas
60”X 72”
2022
The “Belt of Venus” refers to the atmospheric phenomenon that creates a pink band in the sky at sunrise and sunset. This work depicts the artist's friends in the Dominican Republic in an effort to reconnect with community and home. Lugo explores the concepts of chosen family while he's in search of connection with his home country he left decades ago.
STATEMENT
Delvin Lugo’s paintings explore the theme of chosen family and intimacy within LGBTQ+ community in the Dominican Republic and NYC diaspora. He captures moments where friends are engaged in simple pleasures like a poetry reading, playing music, a lover’s embrace, and participating in Pride month caravans.
It’s a social engagement project where Lugo starts by connecting with his subjects through social media and also inviting people he’s connected with through his art shows. His subjects invite their chosen family to be photographed as they enjoy conversations, libations, and even dancing.
Lugo begins by creating collages composed of photos taken during their meetings and of tropical vegetation. It is followed by sketches and small acrylic studies. The clothing on his subjects feels like a second skin. Lugo is the son of tailors and considers fabric his first artistic medium. His colors range from neon to subdued at the same time complementing the resilient, tender, confrontational, and defiant personalities in his work.
For many in the LGBTQ+ community, the idea of family goes beyond pre-assigned roles and biological ties. Their chosen families enhance and reflect our vibrancy and provide unconditional support. Initially, they experience aberrance individually, and then venture forth into the world and discover commonality. Lugo’s paintings create a world where his subjects true selves are on full display because a safe space has been created.
BIO
Delvin Lugo (b.1977, Dominican Republic) lives and works in New York City. He attended Maine College of Art where he studied for two years before moving to NYC to complete his studies at the School of Visual Arts. Upon completing art school, fashion styling became his creative outlet. Being surrounded by many creative designers inspired him to create and paint again. Delvin is a recent grant finalist of the Hopper Prize, and his work has been featured in New American Painting issue #152 and ESSE Magazine.
Oil on canvas
60”X 72”
2022
The “Belt of Venus” refers to the atmospheric phenomenon that creates a pink band in the sky at sunrise and sunset. This work depicts the artist's friends in the Dominican Republic in an effort to reconnect with community and home. Lugo explores the concepts of chosen family while he's in search of connection with his home country he left decades ago.
STATEMENT
Delvin Lugo’s paintings explore the theme of chosen family and intimacy within LGBTQ+ community in the Dominican Republic and NYC diaspora. He captures moments where friends are engaged in simple pleasures like a poetry reading, playing music, a lover’s embrace, and participating in Pride month caravans.
It’s a social engagement project where Lugo starts by connecting with his subjects through social media and also inviting people he’s connected with through his art shows. His subjects invite their chosen family to be photographed as they enjoy conversations, libations, and even dancing.
Lugo begins by creating collages composed of photos taken during their meetings and of tropical vegetation. It is followed by sketches and small acrylic studies. The clothing on his subjects feels like a second skin. Lugo is the son of tailors and considers fabric his first artistic medium. His colors range from neon to subdued at the same time complementing the resilient, tender, confrontational, and defiant personalities in his work.
For many in the LGBTQ+ community, the idea of family goes beyond pre-assigned roles and biological ties. Their chosen families enhance and reflect our vibrancy and provide unconditional support. Initially, they experience aberrance individually, and then venture forth into the world and discover commonality. Lugo’s paintings create a world where his subjects true selves are on full display because a safe space has been created.
BIO
Delvin Lugo (b.1977, Dominican Republic) lives and works in New York City. He attended Maine College of Art where he studied for two years before moving to NYC to complete his studies at the School of Visual Arts. Upon completing art school, fashion styling became his creative outlet. Being surrounded by many creative designers inspired him to create and paint again. Delvin is a recent grant finalist of the Hopper Prize, and his work has been featured in New American Painting issue #152 and ESSE Magazine.