Bella Cardim, born in 1978 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and now based in Miami, is a multidisciplinary artist whose work intricately explores the intersections of food, emotions, and body image. With a background in Graphic Design and a successful career in commercial food photography, Cardim's creative journey underwent a significant transformation after moving to the United States in 2019. Following a personal trauma, she shifted her focus to contemporary art, utilizing her practice to delve into the psychological complexities of nourishment and indulgence. Cardim's Master of Fine Arts degree from Miami International University of Art & Design in 2023 further cemented her dedication to these themes, allowing her to articulate her experiences through a conceptual lens.
Cardim's art employs various media, including photography, sculpture, textile art, and installation, to create profound visual narratives. Her notable series, such as "DIS.SEC.TION," "Exposed," and "Dysmorphia," reveal the hidden narratives of emotional eating disorders and societal beauty standards. Through her innovative use of materials and techniques, Cardim's work challenges viewers to reconsider their own relationships with food and body image, highlighting the pervasive influence of media and consumerism. Her pieces serve as both personal reflections and broader social commentaries, aiming to foster a deeper understanding of the pressures and expectations that shape our identities.
Since 2020, Cardim has exhibited her work in numerous prestigious venues, earning critical acclaim and several notable awards. Her solo exhibition "No One is an Island" at MIFA Gallery in November 2023, curated by Adriana Herrera, showcased her exploration of contemporary narratives and collective thinking. Additionally, her solo show at The Bonnier Gallery in Miami, curated by Jennifer Inacio, and her participation in the Florida Biennial and ConTEXT II at Art Fluent in Boston, where she received the "Director's Choice" award, are among her commendable achievements. Cardim's art continues to resonate with audiences, encouraging a dialogue on the intricate connections between food, emotions, and self-perception in contemporary society, making her a significant voice in the field of contemporary art.
