Meet Hermes Berrio

Today we’re excited to be connecting with Hermes Berrio again. If you haven’t already, we suggest you check out our prior conversation with them here.

Hermes , thanks for joining us again. Just to level set a bit for folks who may have missed our last interview together, can you briefly introduce yourself?
Thank you for having me back! I’m Hermes Berrío, a Miami-based artist originally from Colombia. My work explores the intersection of personal memory, imagination, and urban life, blending the extraordinary and the everyday. I use materials like acrylics, aerosol, textiles, and gold leaf to create vibrant, layered paintings and installations that capture the energy of human experience and transformation.

What sets my work apart is its ability to tell universal stories through personal narratives, often inspired by my journey as an immigrant artist and my connection to places like Colombia, Florence, New York, and now Miami. My practice also draws from my memories of family, childhood, and the rich cultural diversity I’ve encountered along the way.

A few highlights of my most recent journey include receiving the Pollock Krasner Foundation, the South Florida Cultural Consortium and the MIA Miami Individual Artist grants, as well as showcasing my work at renowned art fairs like Volta in New York and exhibitions that emphasize themes of identity, resilience, and community.

Throughout my career, I’ve aimed to bridge my personal experiences with broader social narratives, whether exploring the lives of everyday people in Miami or reflecting on my roots. I’m passionate about creating art that connects with people on a human level while sparking conversations about identity, culture, and change.

I’m excited to continue pushing boundaries, sharing new work, and growing my connection with audiences both locally and globally.

Awesome, so we reached out because we wanted to hear all about what you have been up to since we last connected.
Since our last conversation, it feels like life and art have both been in full bloom. Things have been exciting and challenging in the best possible way, and my work has continued to evolve as I navigate new projects and opportunities.

I’ve been focusing on several meaningful series, like Endangered Species, which highlights the lives of undocumented immigrants working in everyday jobs, shedding light on their stories and resilience. Additionally, I’m developing A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood, a project that examines the gentrification of Miami’s working-class neighborhoods, blending large-scale paintings with sound recordings to capture the disappearing essence of places like Little River.

Another exciting chapter are two upcoming solo shows that are opening very soon, “The Beautiful People”, which celebrates the everyday individuals of Miami through vibrant, large-format portraits. The show will be a fully immersive experience in a glass room setting, surrounded by the energy and diversity that makes Miami so special. On the other hand “Life or Something Like It” explores the fluid boundaries between reality and perception, memory and reinvention. This show brings forth an expansive exploration of identity and transformation, elevating everyday moments into monumental narratives. Through painting, and mixed media, I blend the mundane with the extraordinary, inviting viewers to reconsider how personal history, cultural symbolism, and imagination intersect.

Personally, I’ve also been diving deeper into installation work. One piece I’m particularly excited about is Quye, an installation featuring a mural-sized painting of a lush forest, a central sculpture, and a soundscape of the woods. This project connects back to my love for nature and the memories of Colombia that often inspire me.

There have, of course, been challenges. Balancing the pressures of large projects while staying true to my vision can be overwhelming at times, but these moments always push me to grow. I also find motivation in the recognition I’ve received, such as the Pollock Krasner Foundation and the South Florida Cultural Consortium grants, which have provided both support and encouragement to keep expanding my practice.

What I’m most excited about these days is the chance to tell more stories that connect with people on a human level. Whether through painting, installation, or new mediums I haven’t explored yet, I’m committed to creating art that sparks dialogue and celebrates the beauty and complexity of everyday life. The journey continues, and I’m so grateful for the support and opportunities to share my evolving vision with the world.

We have now arrived at one of our favorite parts of the interview – the lightning round. We’ll ask you a few quick questions to give us all some fun insights about you.

Favorite Movie: The Goonies

Favorite Book: Cien años de soledad

Favorite TV Show: Painting with Bob Ross

Favorite Band or Artist: Prince

Sweet or Savory: Sweet

Mountains or Beach: Mountains

Favorite Sport (to watch): Tennis

Favorite Sport (to play): Cycling

Did you play sports growing up (if so which ones): Tennis

As a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up: Anthropology

French Fries or Onion Rings: French fries

Chuck Rhodes or Bobby Axelrod: None

Favorite Cartoon growing up: He-Man

Favorite Childhood movie: The Goonies

Favorite Breakfast Food: Pizza

What would the perfect day look like for you? Please give us as many details as possible.
The perfect day for me would start early, just as the sun begins to rise. I’d have a great cup of coffee in hand, maybe sitting outside or in the studio, surrounded by sketches or unfinished pieces. Those early moments are golden, it’s when ideas feel the freshest, and the world is still quiet enough to hear your thoughts.

Then it’s straight into the studio, fully in the zone. I love mornings where the creative energy flows, where the canvas and I are in sync. The smell of paint, the chaos of materials everywhere, and watching something take shape layer by layer is where I feel the most alive.

Midday, I’d break for lunch with my family. Sharing a home-cooked meal, laughing, and catching up with my wife and kids are moments I cherish. They often inspire me, whether it’s through their stories, drawings, or the way they see the world so purely.

The afternoon would be about exploration. Maybe I’d hit up a gallery, wander through the city, or even check out a thrift store or flea market for some odd, quirky objects to inspire new ideas. I love those little adventures, they remind me to stay curious and open to the unexpected.

By late afternoon, I’d be back in the studio. That’s when the ideas from earlier in the day find their way into the work. Maybe I’d try something experimental or get lost in the details of a piece I’ve been working on for weeks. Either way, it’s the kind of work that feels effortless, where time disappears.

The evening would be spent with good people, family, close friends, maybe some fellow artists. We’d have a laid-back dinner, share some stories, and laugh about life. Those moments of connection are just as important to me as time in the studio, they remind me why I do what I do.

To close it out, I’d probably sneak in a quiet moment by myself, maybe outside under the stars, sketchbook in hand, or just sitting back, reflecting on the day. A perfect day isn’t necessarily about what I accomplish, it’s about the energy, the inspiration, and the people I get to share it with. That’s what keeps me moving forward.

Website: https://www.hermesberrio.com

Instagram: @hermesberrio

LinkedIn: @hermesberrio

Twitter: @hermesberrio

Facebook: @hermesberrio