Adrian Bermeo: No Need To Reminisce

Adrian Bermeo’s exhibition No Need To Reminisce, at Liv Gallery in Lower East Side, Manhattan, offers an introspective call-to-action towards cultural erasure and censorship. The spirit-driven imagery, to what Bermeo refers to as, “abstracted ancestors”, voice messages on the urgency of honoring familial narratives amidst recent political intents on undermining diversity, inclusion, and the integrity of historical archives—specifically reflecting newly passed executive orders against marginalized people. Repelling from divisive actions against equity and progress relating to inevitable American ties to emigration, the collection of figurative artworks act as a testament to the fact that our elders, our truths, and our identities will never disappear; they transition and adapt through ourselves. No Need To Reminisce expands on the preservation of communal histories not by looking back, but by honoring one’s existing lineage as a living ethos.

The series of new paintings, made with unconventional brushes and improvisational gestures, are layered with ink, acrylic, spray paint, and coffee grounds—referencing the artist's own relationships with graffiti and Newyorican subculture. Composed of folkloric symbolism, emoji iconography, and scratched messaging of the artist’s personal commentary and mantras, Bermeo’s figures are directed to the viewer with offerings of reflection: How are you healing? How do you communicate with your family—or yourself? What is not serving you? What matters most? Who tells the story of you?

About Adrian Bermeo |

Adrian Bermeo is a New York City-born Puerto Rican-Ecuadorian visual artist, from Jackson Heights, Queens. He is attributed for his gestural paintings and formative influences in graffiti, examining behaviors in social interactions, with aims of identifying ancestral connections and greater commonalities in human nature. He has a BA in Studio Arts from Hunter College and has attended Liga de Arte, San Juan, Puerto Rico and SVA, NY, NY. Bermeo has exhibited with Local Project Art Space, 2017; Mana Contemporary, 2019; Novado Gallery, 2020; The Queens Museum, 2020; Art House, 2021; All Street NYC, 2022; 17 Frost Gallery, 2023; Elm Foundation, 2024; and The Bronx Museum, 2025 amongst others, with his works acquired internationally. As an independent curator and teaching artist, he has collaborated with numerous nonprofits and museums including MoMA; Jamaica Center for Arts and Learning; Flushing Town Hall; Queens Collaborative and Local Project Art Space. He has been reviewed for his curatorial work by Hyperallergic, 2024.

About Liv Gallery |

Liv Gallery is committed to supporting and showcasing emerging artists while fostering an inclusive and vibrant community for creatives in New York City. Situated in the heart of the Lower East Side, Manhattan, the gallery serves as a spirited platform where innovation is nurtured, meaningful connections are cultivated, and artistic passions are celebrated. Through thoughtfully curated exhibitions, engaging programs, and strategic partnerships, Liv Gallery uplifts both new and established voices in contemporary art. The gallery’s mission goes beyond presentation—it seeks to build a thriving cultural ecosystem that inspires dialogue, supports creative growth, and welcomes artists, collectors, and art enthusiasts alike. At Liv Gallery, creativity is not only displayed, but actively lived, shared, and cherished.

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