Spotlight Artist

Delvin Lugo

Northeast
Artist profile photo
Featured in New American Paintings

Artist Statement

I create narrative figurative paintings that explore themes of home, intimacy, and belonging within the LGBTQ+ community. Drawing from my family archive and personal photo collection, I depict moments of connection,capturing the tension between comfort and alienation that often shapes the notion of home.
Growing up with parents who were tailors, fabric was ever-present in my life. Home linens, in particular, held deep significance in my family, representing care, tradition, and domestic warmth. This connection has led me to paint directly onto vintage textiles such as tablecloths, pillowcases, and doilies. These materials, rich with personal and cultural histories, bring an added layer. Embroidered patterns subtly weave through the painted figures, creating embossed-like textures that blur the line between past and present.
My compositions feature a vibrant color palette inspired by the house colors of the Dominican Republic’s countryside. Figures rendered in oil contrast against flattened, two-dimensional backgrounds, creating a dynamic interplay of space. Some works extend beyond the canvas, draping freely and taking on sculptural qualities, mimicking the way linens function in a home.

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