Ethan Stevenson, better known as Betirri, has made a unique name for himself at the intersection of art, sports, and architecture. Originally from Mexico, Betirri’s journey as an artist began from a place of personal struggle and resilience. As a young boy, he dreamed of becoming a professional soccer player, but a lifelong battle with asthma put limitations on his athletic aspirations. Yet his love for sports didn’t fade; it just transformed, eventually blending with his passion for art.
After moving to Houston, Betirri took his interests to the University of Houston, where he pursued a double major in architecture and painting. This blend of disciplines has become a defining element of his work, which seamlessly marries structural precision with fluidity and movement. His architectural eye sharpens his compositions, while his athletic inspirations bring them to life with energy and momentum.
One of the most striking aspects of Betirri’s work is his portrayal of “bodiless” athletes. In his paintings, athletes are depicted in motion but without their heads, faces, or distinguishing features. These figures seem to float on the canvas, fully engaged in their sports, yet somehow universal—void of personal identity but filled with dynamism. Betirri’s approach brings the viewer’s focus onto the movement, form, and intensity of the game itself rather than on any individual player. This anonymity speaks to the essence of sport as a universal language, transcending personal identity and allowing fans to appreciate it as pure, distilled action.
Over the years, Betirri’s art has expanded far beyond his initial vision. His work has drawn international attention, leading to collaborations with major brands like Reebok Brazil and Major League Soccer. For the past decade, he has also been the official artist for the Houston Lamborghini Festival, where his art aligns with the festival’s celebration of speed, design, and high performance. In 2020, Betirri took his work to new heights by designing his own gallery and home. The space serves as both a sanctuary for his art and an architectural marvel, embodying the synergy of his artistic and architectural skills. By designing this space, he created a place where his works could be showcased in a way that mirrors their aesthetic values—a fusion of structure and movement.
Among Betirri’s notable pieces, Floating Dreams (2020) stands out as an example of his cultural exploration. The large-scale acrylic on canvas measures 60 by 84 inches, capturing a bold vision of Mexican heritage through a modern, vibrant lens. In Floating Dreams, Betirri merges the intricate elements of classical architecture with the vibrant motifs of pop culture.
With Floating Dreams, Betirri wanted to go beyond simple cultural representation. Instead, he explores how tradition and modernity coexist, contrast, and sometimes clash within the fabric of contemporary Mexican life. This piece is more than a painting; it’s a reflection on how deeply-rooted traditions are constantly reshaped by the tides of pop culture. Through careful contrasts between intricate, classical designs and bold, contemporary motifs, Betirri’s work invites viewers to witness a dynamic evolution of identity, where the past and present meet and redefine each other.
Despite his global reach and collaborations, Betirri remains grounded in Houston. His studio there has become a creative hub, where he continues to explore new ways to merge his passions. His work reflects a personal journey that transformed his childhood dream of playing professional sports into a career where he could capture the thrill of the game in his own way. His bodiless athletes remind viewers of the unifying force of sports, transcending personal narratives to emphasize the shared human experience of competition, movement, and passion.
Betirri’s work has been exhibited internationally, reaching audiences from Latin America to Europe. His gallery space in Houston not only showcases his work but also offers a unique, immersive experience for visitors. With an aesthetic that merges the clean lines of architecture with the vibrant motion of sports, Betirri’s art captures a unique vision—a celebration of movement, culture, and shared human experience.
Through his art, Betirri has found a way to combine his architectural precision, athletic spirit, and cultural heritage. His work transcends the boundaries of traditional sports art, inviting viewers to engage with each piece as a journey into the heart of athleticism and identity. For Betirri, each painting is a tribute to the dreams he once had, to the obstacles he overcame, and to the countless untold stories of athletes around the world.
