About
Abdiel Beltrán (b.1996) is a first-generation Mexican American artist. In 2021, he received a BFA in Studio Art from the University of New Mexico. Beltrán currently lives in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and works in his studio at the Harwood Art Center.
His work primarily consists of non-representational imagery and utilizes painting as a form to interrupt everyday life. His search to find an interruption is enhanced when he leaves the studio and paints in natural spaces. He recreates and re-screens layers of paint and often finds himself wanting to translate what it means and looks like to "let go". For example, painting non-figuratively en plein air allows him to experience a sense of liberation – typically manifested as gestures and letting the subtleties of the details matter. This process creates a dialogue between letting go while developing the tangible characteristics of painting through layers of marks, color and re-worked imagery. The results document a relationship between the restrictions that come from ordinary life and pushing boundaries as a form to find a sense of freedom within. He invites the viewer to not search for a narrative but to be curious instead.
Education
2021 BFA in Studio Art, The University of New Mexico
Exhibitions
2022 Lapis Room, Sidereal Surrender, Albuquerque, NM
2022 Garagedoor Gallery, Over the Moon Group Show, Albuquerque, NM
2020 The University of New Mexico, Creatives Together, Apart, Virtual Exhibition
2019 Spur Line Supply Co., Redirected Landscapes, Albuquerque, NM
2018 John Sommers Gallery, Invitations/Intrusions of Wilderness, Albuquerque, NM
2016 Black Box Gallery, Focus: Black & White, Portland, OR
2015 Marion Center for Photographic Arts, Santa Fe, NM
2014 Thaw Art History Center, Santa Fe, NM
2014 Albuquerque Museum of Art and History, Focus on Youth, Albuquerque, NM
2014 Albuquerque Hotel, A is for Art! Albuquerque, NM
2013 Open Space Gallery, Trees, Rocks, and Dirt, Albuquerque, NM
2013 Albuquerque Hotel, A is for Art!, Albuquerque, NM
Press
2020 UNM Virtual Graduate Art Exhibition, "Creatives Together, Apart"
2016 Black Box Gallery Catalog "Focus: Black & White"
2013 Westside Journal Newspaper "Art Pays Tribute to West Mesa"
Awards
2022 SURFACE: Emerging Artists of New Mexico Award at Harwood Art Center
2020 Fulcrum Fund Award at 516 Arts
2014 First Place Award in Digital-Special Techniques at Albuquerque Museum,
"Focus on Youth" Exhibit
2014 Printmaking Merit Award from Lannie Alexander
2014 Pastel Merit Award from Pastel Society of NM
2014 Drawing Merit Award from Sailor Fine Art and Instruction
2014 First Place in Drawing at Volcano Vista Art Show
2014 Painting Merit Award from Peggy Trigg
2014 Student Choice Award Ribbon in Painting at Metro Youth Art Exhibit
2013 Drawing Merit Award from National League of American Pen Women
2013 Printmaking Merit Award from Richard Levy Gallery
2013 "Best use of light" award at Open Space Gallery "Trees, Rocks & Dirt” Exhibit
2013 First Place at Open Space Gallery "Trees, Rocks & Dirt” Exhibit
2012 First Place in Drawing at Young in Art Exhibit
2013 First Place in Drawing at Metro Youth Art Exhibit
2013 First Place in Drawing at Volcano Vista Art Exhibit
2012 First Place in Painting at Young in Art Exhibit
2011 First Place in Painting at Young in Art Exhibit