Tapestries of imagination, where everything is allowed to exist.
Drawing inspiration from the surreal realm of dreams and fantasies.
My work
Explore my collections
Luchadores
When I was a child in Mexico, I used to watch luchadores (wrestlers) movies, just like many other kids back then. These films had little to do with actual wrestling. Instead, the luchadores were portrayed as superheroes, akin to Batman and Robin or Spider-Man. Produced on a shoestring budget in the late 70s, these movies featured absurd and nonsensical plots. They were bizarre love stories infused with mariachi music, the paranormal, nightclubs, and cabaret dancers, all while wrestlers tried to save humanity from villains like the monster of the green swamp, female vampires, Martians, mummies, killer zombies, and eccentric mad scientists.
This is probably why I love luchadores so much. They transport me to a world where the unimaginable coexisted, and kids could be friends with big masked men who had deep voices, massive muscles, and even bigger hearts. Who wouldn't love that!
Abstract
As an artist, abstract art gives me the freedom to explore shapes, colors, and textures in a way that feels intuitive and personal. It challenges me to think creatively and see the world from different perspectives. Ultimately, abstract painting is a liberating experience that fuels my passion for creativity and experimentation.
It’s not Maine,
but I like it!
This collection draws inspiration from the mesmerizing spectrum of blues found in the stunning coastal vistas of Maine. It embodies the symbolism, the thrill of adventure, and the vibrant energy of crashing ocean waves. Having spent my life amidst the hustle and bustle of big cities, these are not seascapes but enchanted landscapes of fantastical tales set in a magical blue universe that I call “My Maine”.
Collages
The rebel in me refuses to let critics downplay the complexity and skill involved in creating compelling collages. I embrace this medium because it challenges me to demonstrate a strong sense of composition, creativity, and the ability to convey emotion through the juxtaposition of whatever materials are available to me at that moment.
I don't know if I'm always successful, but creating scenes and places that never existed is undoubtedly a powerful way to express my thoughts and emotions.
Watch them come alive!
Imagine how a touch of magic would look in your home with any of these unique artworks.
Catalog
2024
“Frothy sea,” 07/2024, acrylic and sand on canvas, 24 x 30 inches.
“Visiting an old love,” 06/2024, mixed media, 8 x 10 inches.
“Jalapeño martini,” 06/2024, acrylic, pastel, and ink monotype print, 12 x 18 inches.
“Phoenicia," 05/2024, High-relief collage, paper, acrylics, silicone, and resin on board, 11 x 14 inches.
“Detour ahead,” 05/2024, High-relief collage, paper, acrylics, silicone, and resin on board, 8 x 10 inches.
“Jumping in,” 05/2024, high-relief collage on board. Siliconized acrylic, paper, acrylics, and pastels on board, 8 x 10 inches.
“Keep your distance,” 05/2024, acrylic, charcoal, and acrylic ink, 24 x 30 inches.
“Girlfriends,” 04/2024, acrylic and pastel on canvas, 24 x 30 inches.
"Theorem," 02/2024, acrylic and pastels on canvas, 24 x 30 inches.
2023
“Together alone,” 12/2023, acrylic and paper, 9 X 7 inches.
“Forward,” acrylic, pastel, and paper, 11 X 14 inches.
“Weird,” acrylic, pastel, and paper, 8 X 11 inches.
“Brown girl with a pearl earring,” acrylic and pastel, 8 X 6 inches.
“El Santo,” acrylic and paper, 8 X 11 inches.
“Roma,” acrylic and paper, 8 X 11 inches.
“Grey gardens,” acrylic and paper, 8 X 11 inches.
“The bottle club,” acrylic, pastel, and paper, 9 X 12 inches.
“Mary Lasker,” acrylic and paper, 8 X 11 inches.
“Pajarito-pajarito,” acrylic and paper, 8 X 11 inches.
“Spared,” acrylic on paper, 11 X 14 inches.
“Peekaboo,” acrylic and paper, 8 X 11 inches.
“Is it a bird? Is it a plane?” acrylic and paper, 8 X 8 inches.
“Last stop Florida,” acrylic and paper, 11 X 14 inches.
“Valentina,” acrylic and paper, 8 X 11 inches
“Champion,” acrylic, pastel, and paper, 24 X 36 inches.
2022
“Geisha,” acrylic and paper, 8 X 11 inches.
“Purepecha,” acrylic and paper, 8 X 11 inches.
“Pinpoint monkeys,” acrylic, pastel, and paper, 9 X 12 inches.
“Circuit,” acrylic, pastel, and paper, 9 X 12 inches.
“Goodwill,” acrylic and paper, 11 X 14 inches.
“Rita Moreno,” acrylic and paper, 8 X 11 inches.
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About
Norma Gabriella Sykes
I am a mixed media artist born in the vibrant heart of Mexico City. My artwork serves as a canvas for the kaleidoscope of colors and the enchanting magic realism that is deeply ingrained in my heritage. Drawing inspiration from the surreal realm of dreams and fantasies, I weave tapestries of imagination, where everything is allowed to exist.
My artistic journey is a homage to the memories of my childhood and my beloved Mexico. Influenced by iconic artists such as Magritte, Warhol, and Albers, as well as cultural icons like El Santo and inspirational figures like Rita Moreno and Queen Elizabeth II, my work reflects a mosaic of many passions. I don't limit myself to a specific style; rather, I paint or collage whatever sparks my interest and excitement, resulting in a diverse collection of artworks.Through my art, I strive to create welcoming, humorous, and inclusive narratives that resonate with the shared human experience.
Having spent years in the fast-paced world of multimedia production in Philadelphia, crafting engaging eLearnings, videos, and digital campaigns, I made the bold leap to pursue my true calling as a full-time artist. I invite you to join me on this wondrous journey, to explore the depths of imagination and discover the stories that lie within. Follow along on Instagram @normagabriellasykes, and together, let's awake a world where art knows no bounds.