Artist Statement

Coral Barrier is a visual abstract representation of the place that saw me become the artist I am today: The Mexican Caribbean. During the 10 years I lived there, I learned a lot from our oceans: From how easily we as humans affect this beautiful ecosystem to the proper care and cautions one must have to protect it. I learned how inhospitable of a place this is to us and how much respect we should have for this incredible life source. I spent years scuba diving, snorkeling, and being part of communities that taught me the importance of educating oneself about our seas.

This place was my source of inspiration for the longest time: The colors, the life it carried within, and even understand how alienated we are from the deep ocean areas to the point of acknowledging the concept of 'inner space' as a reference to outer space and how little we know about it. I saw this part of the Caribbean go from being crystal clear and having untouched coral and life to slowly being crushed, displaced, and ruined with the growing tourism. It broke my heart to think that it almost didn't matter how much the locals would care for it, if there wasn't a proper educational mass campaign for its safekeeping, then it would be a matter of a few years before seeing its true downfall.

My early works all make allusions to the Caribbean and so going back to those roots with this artwork means a lot to me. - This abstract composition, as well as this text is meant for those who are willing to make a change, to travel responsibly, and to make daily small changes that will contribute to our planet. We need our oceans way much more than the oceans need us, so it's about time that we assess the best ways to help while passing this knowledge to the next generations to come. Thanks so much for taking the time to read this.

- Hola Lou

Artist Bio

Hola Lou is a designer, artist, and muralist based in Mexico City. Lou bases her graphic-style minimal abstract compositions on music, travels, and day-to-day scenes; All of these are inspired by a modern approach to the diversity of her Latin roots and Caribbean influence.