Katrina Bello Debela

Katrina Bello is a visual artist originally from the Philippines, currently based in Newark, New Jersey. She has a diverse background in drawing and video, with her artistic themes revolving around landscape, memory, and the complexities of immigration. Her work is deeply influenced by her experiences of moving to the United States and reflects her relationship with the natural world and family dynamics shaped by migration.1

Education and Career

Katrina studied at the University of the Philippines, where she began honing her artistic skills. Before fully committing to her art career, she worked as a magazine photo editor for nearly 14 years. The economic downturn prompted her to pivot towards a full-time art practice, leading to her first solo exhibition after five years of dedicated studio work.1

Artistic Practice

Bello's studio practice is characterized by large-scale drawings that explore themes of environment and memory. Since 2013, she has participated in numerous exhibitions across the United States and the Philippines, earning various fellowships and residencies.12

Current Focus

Currently, Katrina Bello is on a career break focused on full-time parenting while continuing her artistic endeavors. This period allows her to reflect on her creative journey and engage with her family while maintaining her connection to art through personal projects.1

For more about her work and philosophy, you can find her on LinkedIn under the username katrina-bello .2