From Fort Worth, Texas
Artist Statement:
I am a mixed-media sculptor and installation artist exploring themes of human suffering, social injustice, and geopolitical conflicts, and correlating responses of apathetic indifference. With the aim of engaging the audience visually, but also morally and philosophically, I employ formal elements such as repetition, plurality, scale, and anonymity to address topics concerning violence and its resulting victims with the ultimate goals of paying tribute to those who are unfairly affected and of bringing awareness to their plight.
Artist Biography:
Bernardo is a Colombian-American mixed media sculptor and installation artist interested in geopolitical issues of violence and human suffering. His works reflect his observations on the hypocrisy he perceives exists between the rhetoric of human life and the violent behavior of humanity. With his artworks, Vallarino strives to engage his audience visually but also morally and philosophically. He finds inspiration in history, the media, his personal experiences, and his child-acquired interest in insects and entomology. Aesthetically, his artworks are clean and precise, mirroring his deep respect for the victims of the topics he addresses. Vallarino, a NALAC fellow, has an outstanding record of exhibitions as well as local and international awards. He graduated with a BFA in sculpture from Texas Christian University, an MFA in the same field from Texas Woman’s University, and is the current coordinator of Fort Worth Art Collective and a board member at Artes De La Rosa.