Artist Statement

‍
My work explores strength, struggle, and identity, deeply rooted in my personal and ancestral experiences. Each piece I create serves as a testament to the enduring resilience of the human spirit, particularly in the face of adversity.

In my current work — Dr. Huey P. Newton, the strength lies in the physical depiction of Huey Newton holding a gun and in the intellectual courage symbolized by Newton, the future leaders (depicted behind him), and the Black Panther Party’s 10-point program. This juxtaposition of force and knowledge highlights the audacity required to demand justice during extreme societal oppression.

Another recently completed piece — Sir Isaac Newton parallels this theme and is a companion piece to Dr. Huey P. Newton. The work depicts the famed scientist standing strong on a marble block. Newton’s struggles and triumphs as a misunderstood genius resonate with me, and the Principia at his feet signifies the strength found in knowledge and persistence against all odds.

My vision for future work will continue to center around the connections behind social justice issues, empirical scientific phenomena and how humans continue to push the frontier of science. I am excited to introduce more themes from my inspirations and role-models that also speak to these two areas of interest.

‍

Artist Biography

‍
Hugo, a sculptor-painter and co-founder of The Creary De La O Family Foundation, draws deeply from his roots as the child of immigrants who fled the El Salvador Civil War.

From a young age, Hugo knew he wanted to be an artist. He finds inspiration in his favorite cartoons and the masterpieces of Michelangelo, Caravaggio, Basquiat, and Dali. His journey in the arts led him to study at the prestigious Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts
(PAFA) in Philadelphia, where he refined his skills and artistic vision. During his time at PAFA, Hugo was trained in all areas of fine arts including print-making, drawing and ceramics. But his concentration remained his first love of sculpting and painting.

Since graduating from PAFA, Hugo has been an active member of the Philadelphia artist community—working on commissions, exhibiting his work at RASCO Gallery in Philadelphia, designing theater sets, and participating in projects from the Mural Arts of Philadelphia. Hugo aims to exhibit his artistic skills and passion further by engaging deeply with the Philadelphia community.

‍

Education

‍
2002 - 2006
Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts Philadelphia, PA
Four-year Certificate of Fine Arts, Sculpture and Painting

2001
Valencia Community College Orlando, FL
Coursework in Commercial Art

‍

Skills and Hobbies

Software: Microsoft Word and PowerPoint; Medallia Experience Cloud; DataTrak
Sports: Martial arts - Capoeira, Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, Dutch Kickboxing, Judo; Soccer, Weightlifting

Selected Exhibitions

Solo

2018
Evotions, RACSO Gallery, Philadelphia, PA

Gallery Affiliation

RACSO Gallery, Philadelphia, PA

‍

Work Experience

‍
2004 - Current
Freelance Fine Artist – Sculptor / Painter
• Composed commissioned paintings and sculptures using a variety of mediums, including but not limited to oil, acrylic, watercolor paints, pen and ink, terra cotta, and casting sculptures

2020 – Current
City Fitness Philadelphia Philadelphia, PA
Assistant Operations Manager
• Worked closely with Operations Manager, Leads, and Coordinators to ensure members receive exceptional customer service from a friendly staff, in a clean and well- maintained facility
• Provided direct support to the Operations Manager and assisted with daily responsibilities, including scheduling, budgeting and expenses, training, hiring, customer feedback management
• Led club-specific manager meetings to provide in-house operational updates and presented club specific updates at regional manager meetings
• Served as the second in command to front-line/juice-bar and cleaning staff

2014 - 2018
Friends Select School Philadelphia, PA
Middle School After School Program Lead
• Supervised homework completion for children enrolled in grades 6 to 8.
• Chaperoned middle school athletes while attending off-site sporting events.
• Reinforced daily attendance policies, and the school’s overall mission and goals.

2012 - 2013
United Scenic Artist Local 829 Philadelphia, PA
Industrial Artist
• Renovated sets and completed interior finishing tasks for premier quality television productions, often requiring team collaboration in a fast-paced environment.

2012 - 2013
Curio Theater Philadelphia, PA
Scenic Artist
• Designed and painted custom mural within strict theater budget for a play based on an internationally known novel

2006-2007
S.A.A.W. Philadelphia, PA
Interior Finisher
• Collaborated with a team of artists and architects to create and reproduce art display walls for numerous clothing retailers nationwide (Anthropologie, Urban Outfitters, Liz Claiborne
• Traveled extensively to multiple U.S. sites to perform duties

2004 – 2006
Mural Arts Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA
Co-Instructor / Assistant Muralist
• Instructed elementary and middle-aged school kids on the fundamentals of fine art and mural creation
• Assisted primary muralist with the creation of several large original murals