ISABELLA
MERLOS
“Central to my art is the pursuit of fostering empathy within viewers. In a divided world I believe art that can evoke empathy for one another can encourage the abilities of our humanity and warmth.”
Who is God?,
48” x 36”, Oil pastel and acrylic on canvas
$2,595, purchase here
Searching for Freedom part 2,
38” x 26”, Oil pastel and acrylic on canvas
$1,195, purchase here
Searching for Freedom part 1,
26” x 38”, Oil pastel and acrylic on canvas
$1,195, purchase here
Stuck,
16” x 20”, Acrylic paint and collage
$645, purchase here
Searching for Freedom part 3,
32” x 43.5”, Oil pastel and acrylic on canvas
$2,495, purchase here
The Greed and Evil that Destroyed the Earth,
16” x 20”, Oil pastel and on canvas
$400, purchase here
MEET UP. EAT UP. DRINK UP.
18TH & U Duplex Diner is your neighborhood gathering place. From the beginning, the Duplex Diner filled a void that existed in DC – a fun and inviting bar and restaurant where you can come have drinks or dinner any night of the week and always feel welcome, whether you're sitting at a booth with friends or solo at the bar. The Duplex Diner offers deceptively simple fare—classic comfort foods like Mac and Cheese, Meatloaf, Tater Tots, Pork Chops, Brownie Sundaes, as well as Low Country favorites like Fried Green Tomatoes, Shrimp and Grits and seasonal Cobblers. Duplex Diner remains what it set out to be – a fun and comfortable destination that serves great food, delicious cocktails and is always a good time.
18th & U Duplex Diner is a proper restaurant by day, serving delicious greasy spoon fare. At night, however, the tables are cleared away for the drinking crowds. It’s also perhaps the most under-the-radar gay bar to outsiders.
DUPLEX DINER
ON DISPLAY AT
FROM THE ARTIST
My creative process is a battle between the therapeutic and the intricate. Central to my art is the pursuit of fostering empathy within viewers. In a divided world I believe art that can evoke empathy for one another can encourage the abilities of our humanity and warmth. Within my work I craft somber narratives and conceptual stories, unfolding feelings of understanding and empathy. Conversely, my abstract endeavors delve into my personal complexities of navigating throughout this world and society. I search for freedom within my abstract art, something I struggle to experience in my internal and external world. I grapple with my experience of disparities that challenge me and many individuals like me, often leading to setbacks and disadvantages. I find myself in play when creating abstract art, even if I feel so melancholic, my creativity flows on the canvas arraying playful designs and colors.
ABOUT ISABELLA MERLOS
Isabella Merlos, an emerging artist from Arlington Virginia, fuses diverse mediums to craft evocative narratives. Established in fine arts, Isabella has polished her talents in painting, oil pastel, design, and screen printing. Her ability to storytell and create intricate concepts leads to her continual attraction. Isabella's work has adorned galleries, garnering acclaim in a range of regional group exhibitions, including renowned venues like Visarts Center, Hill Center, Dupont Underground, and Rhizome. She earned her place in a National Group Exhibition at Target Gallery, selected by world-renowned artist and activist Diane Burko. Isabella's artistic journey includes an Honorable Mention Award at the 2023 Regional Juried Exhibit, fostering a gateway to her first solo exhibition. Isabella’s art strives to challenge perspectives, by invoking profound emotions that foster empathy, connection, and deeper understanding among viewers. Isabella's art continues to evolve, pushing creative boundaries and inviting audiences to partake in her imaginative voyage.