Artist Biography

Isabella Marcello Cortez Steele (b. 1992, he/they), or "Isa Marcello" for short, is a figurative painter and writer exploring transness, duality and community. Born in São Paulo, Brazil, and raised in Parkland, Florida, his "maximalist" and "fruity" work aims to build a mentally healthy and sustainable world for trans people. In 2013, Isa won the IDEA grant from Florida State University, funding a research trip to the Leslie-Lohman Museum. This project launched his exploration into the "closeting of history"—a term describing how the lives of influential figures like Abraham Lincoln have been re-authored to avoid raising questions about gender or sexuality. Isa has spoken at international universities on finding queer joy in art-making and has participated in residencies in South America and the United States. His public art is on display in DUMBO and the Brooklyn Bridge Park until 2025.