Love in the Details: How Artist Kelly Santos Transforms Everyday Moments into Profound Art
As Kelly Santos premieres her exhibition "Gestures of Love" during NY Frieze Week, the Franco-Portuguese artist speaks with Rich Woman Magazine about finding beauty in daily life, the power of small gestures, and her journey towards embracing vulnerability.
In the hustle of New York’s prestigious Frieze Week, amongst grand installations and bold statements, there exists a quieter, more intimate exhibition that speaks volumes through whispers rather than shouts. Franco-Portuguese artist Kelly Santos’ “Gestures of Love” invites viewers into a world where the ordinary becomes extraordinary – where the simple act of preparing breakfast for one’s children or sending a handwritten note transforms into a profound artistic expression.
“I am inspired by the daily form of beauty, and I capture moments where I see a form of Love,” Santos explains, her words as carefully considered as her mixed-media creations that blend photography, collage, and video art.
Hosted by WSA in New York City, this exhibition marks the second chapter of “Gestures of Love”, following its debut in Mexico City. The evolution of Santos’ work represents more than a shift in artistic medium – it signifies a deeply personal transformation.
From Documentary to Intimate Expression
For a decade, Santos devoted herself to documentary photography along the US-Mexico border, creating connections that she “will forever cherish.” Yet her artistic journey has led her toward more introspective territory.
“Gestures of Love is a more personal and intimate project that raises many questions about how we define love,” she reflects. This transition required courage—moving from documenting others’ stories to revealing her own vulnerabilities.
The exhibition spans works captured across Egypt, Tijuana, Paris, Beirut, Lisbon, and New York—locations that hold profound significance for the artist. “Each city means something very special to me, and as a daughter of a migrant, I struggle to define what home is,” Santos shares. This personal geography creates a tapestry of cultural perspectives that enriches her exploration of human connection.
Her curator, Kenza Adeïda, describes the exhibition as “profoundly human” and “a meditative experience on what it means to love and be loved.” The two share a kindred sensibility about the universal nature of love.
“It is such a pleasure to work and share with such a sensitive human as Kenza Adeïda is,” Santos says. “We all struggle at some point in our lives with love, sometimes with a sister, a parent, or even faith. Love is an international language.”
The Elegance of Everyday Moments
What makes Santos’ work particularly relevant to the Rich Woman ethos is her recognition that luxury exists not only in material possessions but in our most precious resource.
“For me personally, the ultimate luxury is time, and how we decide to spend it,” she observes. “There is something very sophisticated on a certain level of acceptance that comes with time in a woman’s life.”
This philosophy manifests in her celebration of daily gestures that might otherwise go unnoticed: “I adore daily gestures, putting toothpaste every day for my partner, setting a nice table in advance for my kids breakfast, sending a handwritten letter to thank a friend for their presence, sending flowers to a friend that you admire….”
There is elegance in this attentiveness—a recognition that true sophistication lies not in grand gestures but in consistent, thoughtful acts of care. Her multimedia approach—incorporating video and writing alongside visual art—allows her to convey these nuanced expressions with greater depth.
“Today, for me, mixed media makes more sense. I need them to express exactly what I feel, that’s why I decide to start video and also writing, to be transparent and explain each piece to the visitors,” Santos explains.
The Courage to Be Imperfect
Perhaps most striking about Santos’ artistic evolution is her embrace of vulnerability—a lesson particularly resonant for women navigating today’s demanding world.
“Vulnerability—I accepted very recently that I was sooo imperfect and need to accept that growth will cost me, look deeply into what is most vulnerable in me,” she confesses. “We all try to be perfect and the pressure, especially on women, is huge: career, daily routine, life, family, kids, education, beauty standards…”
This acceptance didn’t come easily. Her advice to others on their own creative or professional journeys reflects hard-won wisdom: “Patience, being kind to yourself, admitting that there are days when nothing seems to work, it’s part of the process of acceptance. Life is here, and sometimes we just need a little bit of perspective to see beauty in our daily lives.”
The past year has tested this philosophy, bringing personal challenges that have informed her art. “My heart is broken, and I try to understand why I did that to myself, why I didn’t react sooner, what I am doing now to rebuild myself stronger, align and heal. Forgiveness is part of the process,” she shares.
Her video work, which explores the transformation of sorrow into compassion, emerges from this healing journey—a testament to art’s power as both expression and therapy.
A Global Perspective on Connection
Having created art across multiple countries and cultures, Santos brings a uniquely global perspective to her work. “It’s a blessing to be able to travel, discover, and interact with other cultures. Human connections are unlimited, and that’s a treasure,” she reflects.
This multicultural lens informs her approach to inclusivity and diversity—values central to her artistic practice. “In my work, I try to celebrate that diversity. In this NY chapter, I had several cultures celebrated, and I hope it sends a message of peace and inclusion.”
For women looking to engage meaningfully with art, Santos offers practical advice that aligns with her values: “I will recommend starting to collect artists from this generation and try to focus your collection on art produced by women artists. Also, I will always say that you need to feel it, especially with art—it needs to be love at first sight!”
The Future of Love
As “Gestures of Love” continues to evolve, Santos hints at future developments. “Gestures of Love is a project in chapters, so we will soon announce the third chapter of this journey,” she teases, suggesting that her exploration of love’s many dimensions is far from complete.
What does she hope viewers take away from experiencing her work? Small daily gestures for themselves and for their loved ones,” she suggests. “We have the tendency to forget our small circle and reminding a close friend of our love and deep respect and affection seems to be a good way to start.”
Her parting wisdom emphasizes self-love as part of this practice: “Also, I will say that an hour of something that makes you feel good, such as yoga, pilates, running, meditation, or even a massage, is a treat for yourself.”
In a world that often celebrates the grandiose, Kelly Santos reminds us that true richness lies in the details—the small, consistent acts of love that build connection, create meaning, and ultimately constitute a life well-lived. Her work invites us not only to appreciate these moments but to create them intentionally, transforming our daily existence into something as beautiful and profound as art itself.
To follow Kelly Santos’ artistic journey and upcoming chapters of “Gestures of Love”, visit her Instagram @therealkellysantos For information about future exhibitions and events, follow Maison Keïa @maisonkeia.
For press inquiries: Thais Eliasen – [email protected] | +1 774-319-0317
For sales inquiries: Kenza Adeïda – [email protected] | +1 646 544 4413
