Founder of Simple Reflections for Artists

As a visual and performing artist who immigrated to London from El Salvador in the 1980s, Dario Novo founded Simple Reflections as an incubator of cultural expression and a showcase of the incredible diversity of local artists found in the City of London. In June 2023, Dario won the Community Builder Award at the Forest City London Music Awards. He is on a journey of self-expression through music, dance and art and works hard to make sure that every Londoner has the chance to express themselves, no matter their country of origin.

Artist Statement

My art draws on the bright colours and sense of community in my country of origin, El Salvador, to show how people and elements can mix and create something wonderful when they work together. I am inspired by the things that make up our world, like water, fire, earth, and air. Water is flowing and peaceful, fire is intense and hot, earth is solid and stable, and air is free and powerful. These things inspire me and show up in my paintings through vibrant colours and rays of light. I have acted as a voice for diverse local artists for the past 5 years, and my painting serves as a logo for the Simple Reflections for Artists Collective in London, Ontario. I began to exhibit my work as a professional artist in 2023 at the Forest City Fusion Art Exhibition at the TAP Centre for Creativity and sold my first painting. This experience has given me the confidence to participate in future exhibitions.

Executive Producer, Latin Roots of London Album

Latin Roots of London is a special edition album showcase of diverse genres of Latin music, uniting Latinos from different countries and cultures. This album gives local Latino artists the opportunity to be heard in the London community and beyond borders. Latin Roots of London was released on December 10, 2022, featuring 13 Latino artists based in London, Ontario. Amusic video for Somos Hispanos by the Antonio Alas Mariachi Band was released at the same time, produced by Dario Novo in collaboration with Half and Half Agency and the London Music Office.