Art to spark a shift and flip the script.

Santiago López

Growing up and living in San Diego and San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, art became López’s way of speaking up and finding purpose. An illustrator and storyteller he works to start conversations around the intersections of his ASD and Latinx identity. His art sheds light on social justice themes to spark dialogue about our shared humanity. Santiago recently completed his Associates Degree in Studio Art with plans to continue his art education. His work has been featured in publications, won awards and exhibited at places like OECD Headquarters Gallery in Paris, The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and Nickelodeon Gallery. He was chosen in 2023 as one of 15 Emerging Young Artists by the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C. In 2024, Santiago was selected to represent the United States at an international exhibition and forum during the Paralympic Games in Paris.

About my art

Art is storytelling and I use visual metaphors and symbols to communicate ideas. To spark a shift and flip the script, my work searches for hidden narratives that whisper beneath the surface. It is a dialogue about what makes us human, the shared struggles and dreams that define our lives. Mindful that every angle brings depth and meaning to the story, I’m driven to explore diverse perspectives. Fusing traditional tools with digital media, I blend imagery with textures to suggest the passage of time or evoke emotions. My art is both a reflection and invitation to an inclusive world. 

EXHIBITION SCHEDULE 2024 – 2025

The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts Washington D.C. June 20-July 28, 2024

Organization for Economic Cooperation -OECD Headquarters Gallery Paris, France. September 1-8, 2024

Art Access Gallery Raleigh, North Carolina. August 9-September 21, 2024

Los Angeles City Hall Los Angeles, California. October 23, 2024

The Collective Lafayette, Colorado. November 6-January 5, 2025

Alhambra City Hall Gallery Alhambra, California. September 17, 2025

Visit free educational resources I’ve created at SMITHSONIAN LEARNING LABS