Rubén Fernández and his three-dimensional spaces

By: Alina Dupré
Photos: Rolando Pujol

Rubén Fernández Leal (Havana, October 1st 1967) has won due success being the only artist in Cuba presently working on three-dimensional paintings, in an meaning that goes far beyond the classical triptych.

It is an ancient technique, very elaborate and original within the so called kinetic art, in which the creator has incurred for more than 15 years calling it Three-dimensional Paintings because they justly conform from three dimensions (length, width and depth).  These paintings have a very peculiar reading since in one sole picture one can observe three different images, once the observer moves from different angles… front, right or left.

A self-taught man, Rubén prefers the mixed technique, acrylic on canvas and wood; he also does photography and mural painting. A lover of ecologic themes and admirer of universal beauty, all his works proclaim the love of nature.

Displaying a systematic and intense activity, since 1993 he avails 14 personal exhibits and some fifty collective ones in Cuba, the U.S. and Spain. His pieces adorn private collections in more than twenty countries; others are permanently exhibited in art galleries, hotels and cultural centers.

Rubén donated a dozen important paintings to Cuban, Italian, Brazilian and American institutions; outstanding a three-dimensional painting given to His Holiness Joan Paulus II in the Vatican, where one can visualize pictures of His Holiness, the Virgin of Charity (Cuban Patroness) and the honorable Cuban priest and teacher Félix Varela.

Fernández Leal bequeathed his creative imprint in the decoration of traditional humidors, wooden cases used to maintain the humidity in cigars during their storage. Following his own design, the artist decided to imprint his three-dimensional work and his drawings in these humidors, turning them into decorative not only useful pieces.

Awarded many prizes and nominations, he is a member of different associations and national and international foundations such as: Center for the Development of Visual Arts, Cuban Funding of Cultural Goods, Catalonian Association of Artistic Entities and the International Organization of Muralists Without Frontiers.

Contact
Address: Calle 19 No. 962, apto. 204, e/ 8 y 10 Vedado, Ciudad de La Habana, C.P. 10400
Phone: (537) 830- 0768
E-mail: espiral@cubarte.cult.cu
www.rubenfdezleal.cult.cu/ www.rubenfdezleal.com