Artist Biography
Elisa Barety is a freelance artist based in Indianapolis, IN. A native of Mayagüez, Puerto Rico, she draws on popular media, science fiction, and fantasy for her bright illustrations.
She has a BA from DePauw University, where she studied oil painting and figure drawing under renowned Hoosier painter, Robert Kingsley. While at DePauw, Elisa was awarded the A. Reid Winsey Memorial Art Scholarship for the best prospective artist during her Freshman year.
Throughout her career, she has worked with both digital and traditional media to create oil paintings, digital illustrations, sketch cards (also known as ACEOs), comic book art, and more.
Elisa’s work has been shown at various galleries, including Saks Fifth Avenue in Indianapolis, the Indianapolis International Airport, and the Garfield Park Arts Center. She has also done work for Upper Deck and Mongoose Publishing.
La Jíbara
La Charca de las Brujas
Guardiana del Yunque
Artist Statement
My body of work is inspired by the idea that our island, Puerto Rico, is full of rich stories and beauty. I draw from our voices, legends, and folk heroes to create a series that celebrates the strength of Puerto Rican women.
One of my pieces reimagines the figure of El Jíbaro—a symbol often seen in Puerto Rican art and culture—as a woman. To me, she represents the many women who worked the fields or carried out invisible labor at home, whose efforts often went unrecognized.
Another piece is based on the story of La Charca de las Brujas, which tells of three African women in Puerto Rico who practiced their Yoruba faith. They were discovered gathering near a small pond outside San Juan and were accused of witchcraft before being burned at the stake. This work not only sheds light
on a little-known part of our history, but also calls attention to the ongoing issue of violence against women on the island.
on a little-known part of our history, but also calls attention to the ongoing issue of violence against women on the island.
My third painting draws from the legend of a guardian or witch said to protect the rainforest of El Yunque. She symbolizes both the spirit of protection and the importance of caring for our natural resources, which continue to be threatened by economic development.
Elisa's Social Links