Cornelio Campos is a self-taught artist based in Durham, NC. Campos immigrated to the U.S. from Mexico as a teenager, a journey and process that influences many of his paintings. Vibrant colors, iconic American symbols and intricate geometric patterns define his work.

As an artist with no formal training, Campos’ paintings exemplify techniques that he learned through observation, often defying traditional color schemes. Inspired by the nostalgia he has for his homeland, his family, and the customs that he grew up with, Campos views his work as a tool for sharing his indigenous background and to start conversations within the United States that encourage others think and then do their own investigating. Campos’ works focus on three main themes: political issues, Mexican folklore (purepechas en Michoacan), and the Pre-Columbian symbols of Mexico’s ethnic groups.

His paintings have been shown in galleries and exhibitions throughout North Carolina, including Duke University, UNC-Chapel Hill, North Carolina State University, and other locations, such as the Anacostia Community Museum, the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian, Venice International University in Venice, Italy, and Universidad Javeriana in Bogota, Colombia.

Learn more: https://corneliocampos.com