Lusmerlin

Born in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic / Works in Greater Baltimore+Philadelphia

I integrate concepts from quantum physics and Caribbean spiritual heritage to create large-scale abstract works that transform personal history into universal divinities. Grounded in my background as a chemical engineer and multidisciplinary visual artist, my practice explores cosmic energy fields and transformative landscapes through expressive color, texture, and performance.

ARTIST STATEMENT I create divine realities: universes where fantastical women rejoice in their power and complexity. Celebrating the unseen forces that connect us, I draw from two main areas—the quantum physics I studied as a chemical engineer, and the spiritual traditions and folklore of my personal heritage (Dominican Taíno, Lebanese Christianity, and African Spirituality). These aren't opposites: they're parallel ways of explaining transformation, energy, and what lies beyond the visible.

In my next body of work, I am expanding this exploration by treating hair and afros not merely as human features, but as standalone energy fields, cosmic entities, and landscapes capable of generating new worlds. I work in large-scale pastel, acrylic, and paper, using color, gesture, and texture to capture movement. My process begins with a concept from my life experience or Caribbean history. Then, I identify symbols from my traditions or science (plants, animals, quantum particles) that carry this meaning. In the studio, I embody these ideas through intimate performance, creating photo references that become the foundation for each piece. The resulting images are abstract self-portraits turned into divinities: my body as a carrier of history, transforming a personal story into something universal.

ARTIST BIO LUSMERLIN is a multidisciplinary artist working between Greater Baltimore and Philadelphia, and exhibiting internationally. Her heritage spans four continents: the most influential in her upbringing being the uniquely preserved African heritage in her town of Villa Mella. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering and specialized in cement manufacturing, bringing public speaking, leadership, and extensive project experience into her artistic practice. LUSMERLIN is a 2026 Baker Awards Finalist, a 2025 Janet & Walter Sondheim Semifinalist, a 2024 Mural Arts Philadelphia Fellow, and has received multiple state-level grants. Her work has been exhibitied at The Peale Museum, Attleboro Arts Museum, the Hillstead Museum, and over 20 juried exhibitions. Her practice has also been referenced at Hyperallergic, The Baltimore Banner, Baltimore Beat, BmoreArt, and other publications.