About me

Karina Llergo is a multicultural heritage artist. Born and raised in Mexico City from Mexican Armenian and Spanish immigrants, she received her Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design as well as advanced degrees in Multimedia, Animation, and Abstract Art. She studied with famed Mexican artist Roberto Cortazar and portraitist Enrique Estrada, who both saw her talent and strongly encouraged her to continue her artistic journey.

While keeping art at the forefront of her mind and heart, Karina enjoyed a highly successful corporate career as art director for Mexico City’s top newspaper “Reforma” and at prestige advertising agency, McCann Erickson. Among the many campaigns she helped create, some of her most memorable were for clients such as Coca-Cola, Revlon and Kimberly Clark.  

Since moving to Chicago in 2007 and transitioning to art full time, Karina’s work has received high praise and she is greatly admired throughout North America. Among her many accolades, Karina has received numerous Outstanding Achievement and Best of Show awards at distinguished art shows and exhibitions throughout the United States. 

Karina’s paintings are a reflection of her intense study and passionate interest in human figures. She has worked tirelessly to develop a unique style by turning figures into fluid entities. As a lifelong dancer, competitive swimmer and yoga practitioner, she found herself drawn to depicting on canvas the palpable energy of the human body in motion and inner soul combining air, water and dance. Driven by these fascinations and armed with her talent for figurative painting, Karina found a way to translate her observations and creative imagination into thought-provoking art of breathtaking beauty and inspirational emotions.