Windhoek
After successfully hosting his third art exhibition, entitled ‘Colourless’, Cuban artist Yasiel Palomino is back with fresh works and an exhibition entitled, ‘Colourful’, which is currently on display at the National Art Gallery of Namibia (NAGN).
The exhibition, launched last week, follows close on the heels of ‘Colourless’, Palomino’s second solo exhibition at the Franco-Namibian Cultural Centre (FNCC) Gallery last year.
‘Colourless’, an existential project, tried to represent his understanding of the human being from the inside, from a rough and even grotesque point of view, and the decay it is subjected to in the contemporary world.
‘Colourful’, is formulated as the physical and conceptual opposite to its predecessor ‘Colourless’. These two exhibitions, in their contrast and harmony, show the incredible range and skill of the artist. Using every colour available to him, Palomino investigates humanity from a complex perspective.
Despite the strong use of colour, in fact, the sorrow is hard to escape. The realism allowed by this means of expression ultimately enhances the artist’s ability to communicate the full range of human emotion.
“The ‘Colourless’ exhibition was in black and white and there was a lot of inspiration behind it. ‘Colourful’ is more like when you give colour to something you give it life. My inspiration comes from my interpretation of how I feel about people and situations,” said Palomino.
‘Colourful’ is the result of an in-depth exploration of the medium. Palomino has also expanded his range through study of previous art movements, such as Expressionism and Fauvism, and through experimentation.
His works are strongly influenced by the techniques of artists he admires. His studies have allowed Palomino to develop his abilities and form a greater connection between painter and subject.
“I really love this country, I’ve spent a year and two months here and I plan to stay longer. Everything I experience in this country I put into my creations,” he said.
Palomino urges aspiring artists to practice and perfect their art. “Work every day. You also need to study art a lot, because as long as you prepare yourself you will become better. Every time you paint something you become better at it,” he said, while inviting everyone to visit the gallery for viewing.
Palomino was born on September 30, 1984 in Las Tunas, a small town in the east of Cuba. Palominio grew up surrounded by an artistically inclined family, ranging from painters to poets to musicians.
From his earliest studies it was clear that music, dancing and art would trace the course of his personal and professional life.
As a young child he soon gained acclaim in amateur art competitions and fell in love with the plastic arts and its almost magical communicative capacity. He turned to academia to develop his talent and in 2006 graduated from La Academia de Artes de la Provincia Las Tunas. While studying he gained the respect and trust of fellow students and teachers, so much so that he spent the next three years lecturing at his alma mater and dedicating his leisure time to producing his own artworks.
By 2009 Palomino decided to commit himself fully to his own artistic production, which he has been doing ever since. In 2015 Palomino moved to Namibia where he says his artistic practice has flourished.
His latest exhibition will run until March 12 and the artworks are available for sale at the gallery from N$2 500 to N$27 000.