Who is Kelso?

Kelso Mari is a non-binary, queer Puerto Rican artist based in Charlotte, NC. Self-taught and creatively driven, Kelso spent five years immersed in anime and cartoon illustration before transitioning into fine art in 2026 as a way to reconnect with both their practice and their identity. Their recent work is deeply influenced by Bad Bunny’s DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS and its commentary on the gentrification of Puerto Rico, inspiring a body of work that reflects culture, memory, and lived experience.

Through acrylic painting and an evolving exploration of mixed media—including photography and clay—Kelso experiments with texture, symbolism, and narrative. Their Cultura Series honors their grandmother and the traditions that shaped them, serving as both tribute and reclamation. Kelso’s work is a process of discovery: uncovering new techniques, embracing vulnerability, and preserving cultural stories while navigating queerness, heritage, and home.