Andrés Camilo

Andrés Camilo explores and interprets difficult emotions. The humor, magic, and quirkiness in his paintings enhance their approachability. His work addresses trauma, plays with collective fears, and sarcastically depicts parallel worlds. He examines his own story for contrasting themes and complex narratives, creating a bridge between the everyday and the fantastical to convey emotional truth.

​

Inspired by the whimsical narratives of magical realism and surrealism, Andrés Camilo draws influence from icons such as Fernando Botero, Frida Kahlo, Juan Muñoz, and Norman Rockwell. These artists shape his artistic language, which features contradictions, desert landscapes, extraterrestrial imagery, runaway technology, strange animals, and the isolation of home life.

​

Andrés was born in Medellín, Colombia, in 1988. His mother brought him to the U.S. as a child to escape violence and limited opportunities. At age 17, he joined the U.S. Army to create a new future, repay a patriotic debt, and fund his college education. After graduating from college and ROTC, Andrés led a Combat Engineer platoon in the Kandahar region during the Afghanistan War from 2012-2013. His experience leading troops in an active combat zone while concealing his gay identity left him with a complex range of emotions and compartmentalization. His work reflects the dramatic twists and turns of his life, with each piece offering a new perspective and inviting connection.

​

Andrés now resides in Pacific Palisades, California, with his partner, Max. He focuses on visual storytelling across his work, which includes painting, drawing, video content creation, and commercial modeling.

​

Andrés Camilo's mediums include watercolor on paper, gouache on paper, acrylic on canvas, oil on canvas, and digital illustrations.