Bibiana Elena Rivero, known artistically as Bibi, is a painter and illustrator whose life and art bridge two vibrant worlds. Born in Chihuahua, Mexico, she emigrated to the United States in 2009, eventually settling in Edwards, Colorado. Her journey into the arts began in 2015 during a deeply personal period of loss. Art became both an outlet and a means of transformation, a way to process grief, channel emotions, and rediscover joy.
In her work, Bibi skillfully blends the rich traditions of Mexican art with contemporary influences, creating a style that feels timeless yet fresh. Her canvases are filled with vibrant color palettes, intricate patterns, and emotional depth, reflecting her dual heritage and her connection to the natural world.
Blending Tradition and Contemporary Expression
Bibi’s paintings often echo the visual language of Mexican folk art, bold colors, symbolic motifs, and a strong sense of narrative, while also embracing the abstraction and fluidity of modern techniques. She is best known for her acrylic and mixed media works, which allow her to experiment with textures, layering, and unexpected materials.
Her pieces explore a range of themes, from identity and cultural heritage to grief, resilience, and the environment. Each brushstroke is intentional, capturing not only what is seen but also what is felt. Whether depicting the rugged beauty of Colorado’s landscapes or abstract forms inspired by emotion, her work radiates both intensity and vulnerability.
Art as an Emotional Landscape
For Bibi, art is more than an aesthetic pursuit; it’s a form of emotional storytelling. Her abstract paintings often emerge from moments of heightened feeling: the quiet ache of loss, the joy of belonging, the serenity of a mountain view.
Her canvases can be seen as emotional landscapes, where color and form become metaphors. The bold reds may speak of passion and vitality, while the softer blues and greens echo the calming rhythm of Colorado’s rivers and forests. The interplay between vibrant contrasts and subtle transitions mirrors the complexities of human experience.
Through her work, Bibi aims to transmit feelings and energies that transcend language consciousness, passion, empathy, sensitivity, and even playfulness. Her art invites the viewer not just to look, but to feel.
Community and Collaboration
Bibi’s connection to her community is as strong as her connection to her heritage. Over the past decade, she has been actively involved in the Vail Valley’s art scene, participating in exhibitions and collaborative projects.
She has shown her work in events such as the Avon Arts Celebration and the CMC Art Show Exhibitions, where she received both Honorable Mention and the People’s Choice Award. As a member of the VVAG Gallery in Vail Valley, she exhibits monthly, bringing her art into regular dialogue with local audiences.
Her paintings can also be found on consignment at The Charter Hotel in Beaver Creek, offering guests a glimpse into the region’s artistic heartbeat. She has even stepped into the competitive arena, participating in the Battle of Artists in Edwards, organized by the Alpine Art Center.
Beyond exhibitions, Bibi has collaborated on community art initiatives and contributed her skills as an illustrator. Notably, she illustrated the children’s book Cackle Goes to Florida by MaryLamb Lucas, a project that reflects her ability to adapt her vibrant style to different mediums and audiences.
Art in the Service of Resilience
Currently, Bibi is working on a new series of large-scale canvases that focus on resilience, nature, and emotions. This body of work is deeply personal, reflecting her own journey through challenges while also speaking to universal themes of endurance and renewal.
These pieces are not just visual statements; they are invitations to conversation. Bibi wants her art to spark dialogue about belonging, memory, and the ways tradition can coexist with modern perspectives. In her hands, resilience is not a static concept but a living force, expressed through dynamic color fields and evolving textures.
The Language of Color and Form
One of the most striking aspects of Bibi’s work is her fearless use of color. Her palettes are not just decorative choices; they are emotional cues that guide the viewer’s response. In her paintings, color becomes a form of language, capable of expressing joy, sorrow, hope, and longing.
Her compositions often balance deliberate structure with spontaneous gesture. The acrylic base provides precision and depth, while mixed media elements introduce surprise and tactile richness. This combination mirrors her own life’s dualities, rooted in cultural tradition yet open to new influences, grounded in place yet shaped by movement.
Empowerment Through Art
At the heart of Bibi’s practice is a desire to empower both herself and her audience. She sees her art as a space where emotions can be validated, where personal histories are honored, and where viewers are encouraged to embrace their own complexities.
By sharing her own story of migration, loss, adaptation, and creative rebirth, Bibi offers a form of solidarity to others navigating change. Her work affirms that beauty can emerge from difficulty, and that creativity can be both a refuge and a source of strength.
Looking Ahead
As she continues to expand her body of work, Bibi remains committed to pushing her artistic boundaries while staying true to the values that define her practice. Her future projects promise to deepen her exploration of the relationship between emotion, memory, and place.
For Bibi, art is a living dialogue between past and present, self and community, tradition and innovation. Whether viewed in a gallery, a hotel lobby, or a local art festival, her work carries the same invitation: to pause, to connect, and to feel.
