Colombian artist Maria Berrio’s "Nativity" is exotic and ornamental

ARTSY
By Konstantina Karterouli

Nativity, 2014Collage with Japanese paper, sequins, acrylic and watercolor on canvas48 × 60 in

Despite its associations with popular culture, the Nativity still proves fruitful subject matter for contemporary artists. Contemporary Colombian artist Maria Berrio’s Nativity (2014) surprises with the exotic ornamental nature of the figuration allotted to the subject. Berrio’s work is an intricate collage of patterned Japanese paper, sequins, watercolor, and acrylic paint on canvas. The scene, taking place at night, is populated by three pairs of mothers and children, and hosts a plethora of animals against a patterned landscape that imbues the scene with a dreamy, fairy-tale quality. [link]