Rubén Rodríguez Martínez

Born August 15, 1959, Cárdenas, Matanzas, Cuba — Resident of Miami, Florida

Artist’s Gallery

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Statement

Rubén Rodríguez Martínez operates at the vanguard of Cuban Neo-Expressionism, mining the visceral possibilities of flowing lines to interrogate the complex hybridizations of the human body. His canvases and prints are defined by an elegant yet tense vibrancy, functioning as an archive of memory, localized desire, and existential obsession. By prioritizing stark calligraphic strokes, Rodríguez captures figures in dramatic metamorphosis and exposure, confronting loneliness, vulnerability, and the dualities of human sexuality.

Bio

Academic Foundations: Born in Cárdenas, Matanzas, Cuba, on August 15, 1959. He trained at the Provincial School of Fine Arts of Las Villas, graduating in 1975, and at the National School of Fine Arts (ENA) in Havana, graduating in painting, engraving, and drawing in 1980.

Institutional Service & Parallel Disciplines: In 1984 he became a founding member of the René Portocarrero Experimental Serigraphy Workshop in Havana. His practice includes printmaking, painting, drawing, ceramics, and stained glass. He is a long-standing UNEAC member.

Exile, Translocation & Relocations: After decades of practice and international symposia, Rodríguez Martínez transitioned his permanent residence and studio operations to the United States. Current Status: He resides and works full-time from his home studio in Miami, continuing to exhibit figurative work across galleries and art platforms.

Curriculum

Teaching & Academic Appointments

1980–1983: Professor of Drawing and Painting, Regional Academy of Fine Arts, Matanzas.
1986–1990: Specialist Mentor in Serigraphy and Graphic Arts, National Workshop Network, Havana.
2012–2018: Visiting Studio Lecturer and Silk-Screen Master, cooperatives in Santo Domingo and San Juan.

Notable Artwork Series & Motifs

Eros and Metamorphosis: Calligraphic distortion of the human form explores intimacy, desire, psychological exposure, and the dualities of sexuality.

Serigraphy and Calligraphic Stroke Matrix: Stark silk-screened lines and graphic boundaries function as psychological allegories.

Ontological Isolation and the Stark Landscape: Elongated minimalist figures suspended in open compositions archive loneliness and existential vulnerability.

Selected Solo Exhibitions

2018: Sensual Delights, Adelmo Art Gallery, Miami.
2017: Secret, Villa Manuela Gallery, Havana.
2015: Good Shadow, 12th Havana Biennial.
2012: Sands of Desire, 11th Havana Biennial.
2011: Naked Forever, Pedro Esquerré Gallery, Matanzas.
2009: Take It Easy and Four Cats, Havana.
2008: Busy Beds, Orígenes Gallery, Havana.
2001: Drawings and Paintings, La Acacia Gallery, Havana.
1991: Crypt, Galería Habana, Havana.

Selected Collective Shows

2020: Fine Arts on the Plate, Kendall Art Center, Miami.
2010: Ruben Rodriguez in Arche Gallery, Havana.
2003: Reflejos, Museo de Artes Coloniales, Havana.
1995: Salón Nacional de Premiados, Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes.
1991: Salón Nacional de Artes Plásticas UNEAC, Havana.
1990: An Island Named Cuba, Rome; Havana Art Gallery; UNEAC’s Plastic Arts Salon.
1989: Cuba in Joyful Colors, Sudan Art Center, Baghdad.

Selected Awards

2007: Distinction for National Culture, Ministry of Culture, Havana.
1994: Honorary Mention, Salón del Abanico Hispano-Cubano.
1989: Special Mention, Salón de la Ciudad.
1988: Collective Prize, Jaume Guasch Foundation, Barcelona.
1987: First Prize, Salón de Grabado, Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes.
1981: Honorary Mention, VIII Salón Juvenil de Artes Plásticas de Matanzas.

Selected Bibliography & Publications

2026: Catálogo: Reflexiones Circulares, InCUBAdora.
2025: Rodez, Miguel. Circular Reflections: Cuban Art Documentation Project. St. Thomas University Press.
2016: Fernández Seoane, Antonio. Lines of Desire. Editorial Letras Cubanas.
2010: Pérez Santos, Antonio. Ruben Rodriguez in Arche Gallery.
2009: Pulkka, W. Cuban Artists Speak to World.
2008: Menéndez, Aldo. The Expanded Island.
2006: Riol, Rubens. Cuando un grito de auxilio es solicitud de placer.
2005: Caballero, Rufo. Amend for the Servant.

Collections

National Museum of Fine Arts, Havana. René Portocarrero Experimental Serigraphy Workshop Archive. Center for Cuban Studies Permanent Collection, New York. Oscar María de Rojas Museum Collection, Cárdenas.