Jorge Luis Santos
Jorge Luis Santos's remarkable abstract style and extensive experimentation with materials has made him one of the most important Cuban abstract painters in over two decades.
Who is Artist Jorge Luis Santos?
Jorge Luis Santos is a Cuban artist whose work embodies the bold exploration of abstract art, pushing the boundaries of traditional mediums and techniques. Known for his visceral and monumental creations, Santos is a master of innovation, utilizing materials as diverse as acrylic, oil, mixed media, found objects, iron, and wood to bring his artistic vision to life.
What drives Jorge Luis Santos to experiment with such an array of materials and methods?
The answer lies in his pursuit of discovering new ways to express the human experience. For Santos, every canvas becomes a playground of possibilities, where he can explore themes of individuality, emotion, and the abstract nature of existence.
Despite the often unconventional tools he employs—whether it be a brush taped to a long pole, the sole of his shoe, or even a mop—Santos's work retains a profound sense of intentionality and depth. The duality of his creations, where raw intensity meets meticulous craftsmanship, amplifies the uniqueness of his art. His work stands as a testament to his ability to innovate while remaining connected to the emotional and psychological undercurrents that define his practice.
Born in Quivicán, Cuba, in 1973, Jorge Luis Santos's genre of art goes against the norm of Cuban art which focuses on predominantly figurative art. Yet without formal constraints of his home coutnry, Cuba, Santos's developed a unique approach to abstraction, which has allowed him to subvert traditional expectations and carve out his own distinct path. His distinctive voice has solidified his place as one of the most important Cuban abstract painters of the past two decades.
Over the years, Santos's work has been celebrated by leading Cuban scholars and critics, and his pieces are included in major collections such as the Pérez Art Museum Miami and the Museum of Cuban Art Vienna. His art is marked by a masterful use of color and form, where each piece evokes a range of emotions, from tension to joy, resonating with audiences on a deeply personal level.
Since relocating to Miami in 2016, Santos has experienced a creative renaissance, embracing a more exuberant palette that reflects the vibrancy of his new surroundings. This evolution in his work is a celebration of life's resilience and the enduring power of joy, themes that are especially resonant in today's world. Jorge Luis Santos continues to be a leading figure in contemporary abstract art, constantly redefining what it means to create and experience art.
