Art Exhibition Dates: September 26, 2025 – Present | Casa Azafrán Art Gallery
Fiorella Barrientos is a Salvadoran artist whose work preserves and shares the rich customs and traditions of El Salvador through photography, painting, and digital illustration. Born and raised in El Salvador, Fiorella currently attends Belmont University, majoring in Graphic Design as a recipient of the Bell Tower Scholarship. Her artistic practice emerged from a deep desire to maintain connection with their homeland while introducing Salvadoran culture to diverse audiences. Through her art, Fiorella showcases the vibrant traditions she fondly remembers from her country, creating visual narratives that resonate with fellow immigrants while educating others about Salvadoran heritage. Each piece serves as both cultural preservation and invitation for cross-cultural dialogue.
The exhibition consists of a collection of photographs entitled “Ne Talyu,” which translates to “My Homeland” in Nahuatl, the indigenous language of El Salvador. The photographs were taken by Fiorella upon returning to her country, documenting her rediscovery of a homeland that had evolved yet remained fundamentally unchanged. While she observed physical transformations in familiar places, she found that the essence of her people and community remained as she had always remembered and cherished. Through these images, Fiorella bridges past and present, capturing both the continuity of cultural identity and the inevitable passage of time.
Fishermen’s Return | A vibrant blue and white motorboat, ANGYE VERENICE, cuts through the waves of the Pacific Ocean off the coast of El Salvador. Three young fishermen steer the boat toward shore as waves crash around them. The scene captures the rugged beauty of coastal life, with misty spray and a shifting horizon that blends the power of the sea with the resilience of those who work it. | Una lancha de motor de un vibrante azul y blanco, ANGYE VERENICE, surca las olas del océano Pacífico frente a la costa de El Salvador. Tres jóvenes pescadores dirigen la lancha hacia la orilla mientras las olas rompen a su alrededor. La escena captura la belleza agreste de la vida costera, con un rocío brumoso y un horizonte cambiante que fusiona el poder del mar con la resiliencia de quienes lo trabajan.
Santa María at sunset | A weathered boat named SANTA MARIA rests on dark volcanic sands, its blue-and-white hull glowing in the warm light of late afternoon. Four casual figures sit onboard, while children play near the shore. Lush tropical greenery and distant hills frame the scene, with misty ocean waves hinting at the day’s end. | Un barco desgastado llamado SANTA MARÍA descansa sobre arenas volcánicas oscuras, su casco azul y blanco brillando con la luz cálida de la tarde. Cuatro personas sentadas casualmente a bordo, mientras los niños juegan cerca de la orilla. La exuberante vegetación tropical y las colinas distantes enmarcan la escena, con olas de océano brumosas insinuando el final del día.
Sunset Silhouettes | A mom with her son walks along a tropical path, their orange-and-white silhouettes backlit by a fiery sunset. Palm trees and a white fence frame the scene, bathed in warm golden light. | Una madre con su hijo camina por un sendero tropical, sus siluetas en tonos naranja y blanco a contraluz de un ardiente atardecer. Palmas y una cerca blanca enmarcan la escena, bañada en una cálida luz dorada.
Planes de Renderos | The patio of a traditional Salvadoran restaurant in Planes de Renderos, Panchimalco where a tree strung with warm lights creates an inviting ambiance. Visitors can enjoy authentic cuisine while seated beside a wooden railing that overlooks the mountain town below. The scene captures the magical evening atmosphere where the golden glow of the string lights contrasts with the dusky sky, offering diners a perfect view of the valley nestled among the surrounding mountains. | El patio de un restaurante salvadoreño tradicional en Planes de Renderos, Panchimalco, donde un árbol adornado con luces cálidas crea un ambiente acogedor. Los visitantes pueden disfrutar de la auténtica cocina sentados junto a una barandilla de madera que da a la ciudad montañosa de abajo. La escena captura la mágica atmósfera nocturna donde el brillo dorado de las luces se contrasta con el cielo crepuscular, ofreciendo a los comensales una vista perfecta del valle anidado entre las montañas circundantes.
The National Palace | The National Palace of El Salvador, an architectural masterpiece located in the historic center of San Salvador, remains a symbol of national heritage. Built between 1906 and 1911, its neoclassical design, inspired by the Renaissance, features four ornate Corinthian columns, a triangular pediment with decorative moldings, and a prominent flagpole flying the national flag. The large arched doorway and wrought-iron-adorned windows reflect its former function as the seat of government, while today it serves as a national monument and museum, preserving the legacy of El Salvador's political and cultural history. | El Palacio Nacional de El Salvador, una obra maestra arquitectónica ubicada en el centro histórico de San Salvador, se mantiene como un símbolo del patrimonio nacional. Construido entre 1906 y 1911, su diseño neoclásico, inspirado en el Renacimiento, presenta cuatro columnas corintias ornamentadas, un frontón triangular con molduras decorativas y un asta de bandera prominente con la bandera nacional ondeando. La gran puerta arqueada y las ventanas adornadas con hierro forjado reflejan su antigua función como sede de gobierno, mientras que hoy en día sirve como monumento nacional y museo, preservando el legado de la historia política y cultural de El Salvador.
Catedral Metropolitana on Fiestas Agostinas | A vibrant scene at the Metropolitan Cathedral of San Salvador during the Fiestas Agostinas (August 1–6), in honor of the Divine Savior of the World. The cathedral's iconic twin towers, with their yellow domes and arched stained-glass windows, rise in the background, with a statue of Gerardo Barrios in the middle, while a white tent can be seen near the entrance. Sunlight bathes the gathered tourists and locals, capturing the festive atmosphere of the annual celebration, which culminates on August 6 with a solemn mass in the cathedral. | Una escena vibrante en la Catedral Metropolitana de San Salvador durante las Fiestas Agostinas (del 1 al 6 de agosto), en honor al Divino Salvador del Mundo. Las emblemáticas torres gemelas de la catedral, con sus cúpulas amarillas y ventanas arqueadas con vidrieras, se alzan al fondo, con una estatua de Gerardo Barrios en medio, mientras que cerca de la entrada se ve una carpa blanca. La luz del sol baña a los turistas y lugareños reunidos, capturando el ambiente festivo de la celebración anual, que culmina el 6 de agosto con una misa solemne en la catedral.
Plaza Barrios | An aerial view of San Salvador's historic Plaza Barrios reveals the impressive footprint of the Metropolitan Cathedral, with its gleaming white exterior and golden towers rising above the urban landscape. The plaza is crowded with people walking the streets, while the surrounding architectural landmarks, such as the white National Palace with its distinctive red roof and colorful buildings, create a vibrant urban tapestry centered on this spiritual and cultural heart of the city. | Una vista aérea de la histórica Plaza Barrios de San Salvador revela la impresionante huella de la Catedral Metropolitana, con su reluciente exterior blanco y sus torres doradas que se elevan sobre el paisaje urbano. La plaza está llena de gente que camina por las calles, mientras que los puntos de referencia arquitectónicos que la rodean, como el blanco Palacio Nacional con su distintivo techo rojo y los coloridos edificios, crean un vibrante tapiz urbano centrado en este corazón espiritual y cultural de la ciudad.
Santa Tecla’s Palacio Municipal by Night | The Municipal Palace of Santa Tecla glows under vibrant pink and purple lights, and its light green two-part facade radiates colonial greatness. Built in 1911 as a private residence, the building became the municipal headquarters between 1924 and 1927, as indicated by the inscription above its arched wooden entrance. The symmetrical neoclassical design features tall windows with lattice frames, a decorative balcony, and a central flagpole. Streetlights and a crosswalk complete the scene, showcasing the building's role as a cultural cornerstone in the historic urban fabric of Santa Tecla. | El Palacio Municipal de Santa Tecla brilla bajo vibrantes luces de color rosa y púrpura, y su fachada verde claro de dos partes irradia grandeza colonial. Construido en 1911 como residencia privada, el edificio se convirtió en la sede municipal entre 1924 y 1927, como lo indica la inscripción sobre su entrada arqueada de madera. El diseño neoclásico simétrico presenta ventanas altas con marcos de celosía, un balcón decorativo y un asta de bandera central. Las farolas y un paso de peatones completan la escena, mostrando el papel del edificio como una piedra angular cultural en el tejido urbano histórico de Santa Tecla.
Paseo del Carmen | A lively night scene on El Paseo del Carmen, in the historic center of Santa Tecla, where white shops line the cobblestone street, filled with crafts and local products. Colorful buildings with green canopies frame the bustling market, while the tower of a prominent church rises above the treetops. A warm golden light fills the scene as vendors and visitors interact, some browse the stands, others sit at café tables under the soft glow of streetlights. The atmosphere captures the charm of this pedestrian promenade, the hub of commerce and community life on weekends. | Una animada escena nocturna en El Paseo del Carmen, en el centro histórico de Santa Tecla, donde tiendas blancas se alinean en la calle adoquinada, llenas de artesanías y productos locales. Coloridos edificios con toldos verdes enmarcan el bullicioso mercado, mientras que la torre de una iglesia prominente se eleva sobre las copas de los árboles. Una cálida luz dorada llena la escena mientras vendedores y visitantes interactúan; algunos miran los puestos, otros se sientan en las mesas de los cafés bajo el suave resplandor de las farolas. La atmósfera captura el encanto de este paseo peatonal, el centro del comercio y la vida comunitaria los fines de semana.
Interior of the Municipal Palace | The interior of the Municipal Palace of Santa Tecla displays a harmonious blend of neoclassical and decorative details. The off-white ceiling features a repeating pattern of rectangular moldings in relief along its edge, framing a central lamp with six frosted glass globes suspended from a dark metal chain. Below, an arched doorway in a soft gray-green tone leads to a muted yellow door adorned with vertical panels and intricate moldings. The interplay of warm and cool tones, combined with the soft glow of the chandelier, highlights the building's historical grandeur and attention to craftsmanship. | El interior del Palacio Municipal de Santa Tecla exhibe una mezcla armoniosa de detalles neoclásicos y decorativos. El techo de color blanco hueso presenta un patrón repetido de molduras rectangulares en relieve a lo largo de su borde, enmarcando una lámpara central con seis globos de vidrio esmerilado suspendida de una cadena de metal oscuro. Abajo, una puerta arqueada en un tono verde grisáceo suave conduce a una puerta de un amarillo apagado, adornada con paneles verticales y molduras intrincadas. La interacción de tonos cálidos y fríos, combinada con el suave resplandor de la lámpara, resalta la grandeza histórica del edificio y la atención al trabajo artesanal.
Lifeguard's Perch | A lively daytime scene at El Tunco Beach shows the white lifeguard tower, built on wooden stilts, with a red flag flying to indicate sea conditions. The wooden boardwalk stretches along the rocky coastline, with steps leading down to the beach, where a surfboard leans against a post. Palm trees frame the backdrop as beachgoers stroll along the boardwalk, embodying the laid-back surf culture of this popular Pacific destination. | Una animada escena diurna en la playa El Tunco muestra la torre blanca de salvavidas, construida sobre pilotes de madera, con una bandera roja ondeando para indicar las condiciones del mar. El malecón de madera se extiende a lo largo de la costa rocosa, con escalones que bajan a la playa, donde una tabla de surf se apoya contra un poste. Las palmeras enmarcan el fondo mientras los bañistas pasean por el malecón, encarnando la cultura de surf relajada de este popular destino del Pacífico.
Playa El Tunco | A bright beach scene in El Salvador captures the watchful presence of lifeguards at Playa El Tunco, a famous surfing destination. In the foreground, a yellow surfboard with the words “Playa El Tunco” in blue is visible, while in the center of the scene stands a lifeguard station on stilts, whose ramp leads to three vigilant figures dressed in orange T-shirts. The Pacific Ocean stretches beyond, with waves crashing against a rocky coastline dotted with driftwood. Palm trees frame the distance as beachgoers enjoy the sun and waves under a clear blue sky. The scene embodies the blend of natural beauty that defines this popular coastal retreat. | Una luminosa escena de playa en El Salvador captura la atenta presencia de los salvavidas en Playa El Tunco, un famoso destino para surfear. En primer plano, se ve una tabla de surf amarilla con las palabras "Playa El Tunco" en azul, mientras que en el centro de la escena se alza una estación de salvavidas sobre pilotes, cuya rampa conduce a tres figuras vigilantes vestidas con camisetas de color naranja. El océano Pacífico se extiende más allá, con olas que rompen contra una costa rocosa salpicada de madera flotante. Palmeras enmarcan la distancia mientras los bañistas disfrutan del sol y las olas bajo un cielo azul despejado. La escena encarna la mezcla de belleza natural que define este popular refugio costero.
The Rocky Coast of El Tunco | A striking scene at El Tunco beach shows a light-colored horse with a saddle patterned with starfish on reddish-brown sand. In the foreground, swimmers and people splashing in the water play in the shallow waves near the shore, while the iconic dark volcanic rock formation rises dramatically from the ocean in the background. The horse, with its dynamic waved fabric, and the rugged coastline, highlights the beach's blend of natural beauty and relaxed coastal culture. | Una escena impactante en la playa El Tunco muestra un caballo de color claro con una silla de montar estampada con estrellas de mar sobre arena marrón rojiza. En primer plano, bañistas y personas chapoteando en el agua juegan en las olas poco profundas cerca de la orilla, mientras que la icónica formación de roca volcánica oscura se alza dramáticamente desde el océano en el fondo. El caballo, con su dinámico tejido ondulado, y la costa rocosa, resaltan la mezcla de belleza natural y cultura costera relajada de la playa.
Signs in El Tunco | A colorful set of directional signs at El Tunco Beach guides visitors to different establishments. The pole, covered with lush vegetation and palm leaves, displays arrows pointing to sōya (Asian cuisine), Frozen Yogurt, Guaimea mini lofts, and Ginger House's vegan ramen, all part of the effort to attract tourists. The scene captures the lively and multicultural atmosphere at this coastal destination. | Un colorido conjunto de letreros direccionales en la playa El Tunco guía a los visitantes a diferentes establecimientos. El poste, cubierto con exuberante vegetación y hojas de palma, muestra flechas que señalan a sōya (cocina asiática), Frozen Yogurt, los mini lofts de Guaimea y el ramen vegano de Ginger House, todo parte del esfuerzo para atraer turistas. La escena captura el ambiente animado y multicultural en este destino costero.
Coffee War | This still life painting layers symbolism to confront El Salvador’s 1980 civil war. At center, a Pentax K1000 camera, rendered in stark grayscale, anchors the composition, its lens a portal to the black-and-white photographs that documented the conflict’s brutality. To its right, a coffee bag branded The Artisan Roasters, glimmers with gold leaf and crystals, symbolizing the oligarchic coffee dynasties whose wealth and power fueled economic inequality and political repression. | Above the camera, a framed floral painting bursts with vibrant orange and pink blooms, evoking the fragile beauty of civilian life amidst violence. Yet the flowers’ delicate petals contrast sharply with the bloodstained papers crumpled below, their crimson splatters a visceral reminder of the 75,000+ lives lost to military massacres and guerrilla warfare. | A gold Virgin Mary necklace hangs beside the frame, its presence a quiet act of faith, El Salvador’s enduring Catholic identity offering solace to a people caught between oppression and resistance. Together, these objects weave a narrative of exploitation, survival, and memory, transforming a mundane scene into a requiem for a nation fractured by war.
Torogoz | This dynamic abstraction captures the Torogoz, El Salvador’s national bird and enduring symbol of liberty through a riot of color and movement. The bird’s black head, marked by a stark white patch near its beak, anchors the composition. The body explodes in vibrant green and orange, evoking the lush biodiversity of El Salvador’s landscapes, while electric blue wings and tail, edged in black, slice through the canvas like freedom itself breaking chains. | The swirling yellow and orange background mirrors Torogoz’s untamable spirit, its refusal to thrive in captivity rendered through thick, textured brushstrokes that suggest wind, flight, and resilience. This piece embodies the bird’s cultural duality: a family-oriented creature, often seen in pairs caring for young, and a national icon of independence since its raspy call - a metaphor for Salvadoran defiance.
