Marcelo Novo is a contemporary artist from Buenos Aires, Argentina. European and Latin American Surrealism, a movement that believes art holds the key to unlocking the inner workings of the mind and revealing areas of the psyche that are otherwise concealed, has influenced his work. Novo is using a variety of recurring symbols as expressions of his life experiences, some of which are directly tied to Latin American cultural heritage and his existence in Buenos Aires, Argentina. His work has been exhibited in galleries and museums throughout the USA and abroad, including the Centro Cultural Recoleta, in Buenos Aires, Argentina; the Cinque Gallery in NYC; the Museum of Latin American Art, CA; and the Argentine Embassy of Argentina in Washington, DC. In addition, his work is in numerous collections, including the South Carolina State Arts Collection, the Contemporary Carolinas Collection of the Medical University of SC, and the White House Christmas Ornaments Collection. Artist is the recipient of many awards and honors, and received grants from the SC Arts Commission. Marcelo Novo lives and works in the USA, DC area. Artist Statement: Like a musician playing by ear and improvising as he goes, my art begins not with cautious preliminary sketches but working directly on the chosen surface and completing a work in one sitting. When I begin, I never know what will manifest itself. I start by doodling and when I feel as though things are happening, I follow. Whatever is in my mind has to go through my arm, my hand, so to avoid interference I choose materials that let me work quickly. When finished, I don't go back and re-work it. This approach allows a more spontaneous and intuitive way of creating art.My art has its roots in Latin American and European Surrealism, a movement that believes art holds the key to unlock the inner workings of the mind, and reveals aspects of the psyche otherwise hidden. Diverse recurrent symbols appear in my work as manifestations of my life experiences, some of which are closely related to my Latin American cultural heritage and my life in Buenos Aires, Argentina.I find adapting to a new culture both rewarding and enriching. The process is often helped by the intuitive approach with which I create my art. Similarly, after many years abroad I have new insights on my native country when home visiting family. As I mark sixteen years in the United States, the imagery in my work continues to evolve, reflecting my identity in two cultures and my experience in many places.