Bella Marinos

My work incorporates traditional cultural imagery and religious and ritualistic elements inspired by my Mexican heritage. I aim to create pieces inspired by Mexican folk art and folklore reminiscent of artifacts from lost civilizations. Through these works, I express a longing to connect and explore generational trauma, death, grief, identity conflicts, religion, and colonialism.

Alebrijes inspire many of the masks featured on my large and small sculptures. Alebrijes are mythical creatures that are fusions of multiple animals, with no two being alike. These spirits help those who have passed move between the worlds of the living and dead. In my work, these spirits embody feelings of anger, sadness, happiness, fear, and derangement as they are connected to emotionally charged events from my life. The markings, colors, and facial features are thoughtfully curated to be unique to each mask.

Candles in my works invite viewers to engage in ritualistic functions, symbolizing participation in religious practices whether or not we fully comprehend their significance and impact.

Addressing the intersection of religion and occultism in Mexican culture, my work comments on the impact of colonialism, while highlighting the struggle between conflicting identities. The juxtaposition of Catholicism and Brujeria in my altars reflects the contradictory beliefs held by many. Pieces often explore themes of death and grieving, providing a means to grieve and find closure for past identities, faith systems, relationships, and family members.