Sunshine

While experiencing the masks and distancing of the COVID-19 pandemic, Maquiamelo quickly understood that the eyes had become the only conduit for expressing emotion. He began a series of masks painted on oversized, anime-inspired heads with a focus on the eyes. With a bright Fauvist-meets-Dayglo palate, he hand mixes Italian pigments in his studio to create striking color fields on each canvas. When mask requirements were lifted in life they were also lifted in his art. The paintings may be seen as documenting the artist’s personal journey, but the work is only fully realized when the viewer interacts with the work directly. Maquiamelo’s intent with his painting style is to impart of message of hope and light through a time of uncertainty.