LORIANA ESPINEL
Visual Artist
Research-based painter working through calligraffiti as a structural system that integrates calligraphy, typography, and graffiti.
art@lorianaespinel.com | 832 298 2433 | lorianaespinel.com | Houston, TX
El Árbol de los Anhelos ~ Codex of Human Rights (2025–Present)
Research-driven long-term project composed of 30 large-scale illuminated works dedicated to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Developed through calligraffiti as a text-based monumental practice.
Phase I (five works) completed and exhibited in December 2025.
Currently in development and funding phase.
Solo Exhibitions
Chiribiquete
Consulate of Colombia, Houston | 2025–Present
El Árbol de los Anhelos: Codex of Human Rights (Phase I — First 5 Illuminations)
Art & Projects | 2025
Chiribiquete: A Calligraffiti Exploration of Colombian Symbols
Sabine Street Studios, Sawyer Yards | 2024
Research & Programs
Selected Participant — FORMA, 1st Cycle
Research-based contemporary art program
Escuela Experimental de Arte (EAT), Bogotá (online)
March–April 2026
Selected Participant ~ Artist INC
Fresh Arts, Houston (in person) | 2025
Independent Research & Specialized Study
Ongoing research into writing systems, calligraphic traditions, and visual language through specialized workshops and independent study, including Maya hieroglyphic writing, Japanese, Chinese, Hebrew, Gothic, and Arabic calligraphy, Islamic geometry, and Sumi-e painting.
Selected Projects & Commissions
Anaconda ~ Public Sculpture / Immersive Installation
Second version commissioned by University of Houston CMALS
Installed at Children’s Museum of Houston | 2025
Presented at The Orange Show Center for Visionary Art, Houston | 2025
First version- n Selected Artist “Myths and Leyendas” Fall Festival
Museum of Fine Arts, Houston (MFAH) & ALMAAHH | 2024
Juried selection
Awards & Grants
Grant ~ Colombia in the World (Diaspora Program)
Ministry of Cultures, Arts, and Knowledge of Colombia | 2025
Recognition ~ Programa de Apoyo al Arte Colombiano
Consulate of Colombia in Houston | 2025
Ongoing / Permanent Exhibitions
I Am an Artist
Latino cARTographies Digital Boards, Houston | 2019–Present
Organized by CMALS, University of Houston
Selected Group Exhibitions
Anaconda
MFAH Fall Festival | 2024
Axis
ELC Fine Art Gallery | 2024
Beauty in Abstract
BROUHAHAART Online Exhibition | 2024
Stories of a Workforce
Houston Public Library | 2014
White Tree
Lawndale Art Center, The Big Show | 2014
Kyte
Jomar Gallery, Houston | 2012
All Is Well: Series Kings
Talento Bilingue de Houston | 2011
White
Fundación Social Art Gallery, Bogotá | 1993
Muerte
Pontificia Universidad Javeriana Conceptual Art Show, Bogotá | 1991
Interdisciplinary & Theater Practice
Absolute Art Productions ~ Ángeles Romero Multimedia Theater Troupe
Multimedia theater collaboration | 2013–2020
Teatro de los Sentidos ~ Enrique Vargas Theater Troupe
Production and design roles | 1991–1998
Professional Experience
Immigration Process Interpreter | Present
Facilitating communication for asylum seekers in legal contexts. This sustained engagement with displacement, testimony, and human rights informs my research-based calligraphic and monumental practice.
Print Publications
Stories of a Workforce | 2015
Killing Me Softly With Your Rights | 2012
Houston Is | 2007
Memberships
Texas Accountants and Lawyers for the Arts (TALA)
Visual Artist Association
Houston Calligraphy Guild
Visual Arts Alliance
Press & Media
CW39 Houston ~ H-Town Live | 2025
Intertwined Arts Blog | 2024
Periódico del Meta | 2024
Radio Nacional de Colombia | 2024
Education
BA Visual Arts
Universidad de los Andes | 1999