“The Ugly Truth II – Welcome to Reality TV” is a bold, immersive, and multi-sensory art experience that reveals the inner workings of reality television and its effects on both participants and viewers. Designed as a visceral, interactive experience, “The Ugly Truth II” will take attendees on a journey through the states of reality TV production- from the emotionally charged auditioning process to the staged drama on set, and finally, the editing room, where narratives are manipulated for maximum entertainment value. The project exposes how the industry exploits emotions, warps reality, and reshapes identities for ratings, all while challenging attendees to reflect on their own consumption of media and their perception of truth, all while engaging in a powerful blend of performance art, interactive installations, and emotional reflection.
Overview
A bold, immersive and multi-sensory art experience
PRESENTED BY: VH1’s Black Ink Crew Chicago former Star, and tattoo artist Lily Barrios
Liliana “Lily” Barrios is a multidisciplinary artist whose work bridges tattooing, music, art, and story telling. Known for her time on Black Ink Crew: Chicago, Lily has built a career rooted in self-expression, resilience, and cultural pride. Her art is shaped by her Mexican heritage, personal struggles, and the transformative power of creativity. Lily’s journey into artistry began early in life, fueled by the loss of her father, a defining moment that taught her to channel grief into meaningful work. Tattooing became her first medium for story telling- a way to honor heritage, express raw emotion, and connect with people through deeply personal designs. She is celebrated for her intricate designs and the ability to convey profound narratives through her tattoos. Her commitment to her craft and cultural roots was exemplified in January 2019 when she created and hosted her own art show in Chicago that aired on national television titled “The Ugly Truth: A Day in the Life of an Immigrant”, which showcased her artistic talents and shed light in the immigrant experience. A raw and honest exploration of the immigrant experience that brought her visual story telling to a wider audience which was later introduced to San Antonio, Texas in 2020.