Jose Manuel Mayo Peña - Éxtasis Sumergido

In this work, José Manuel Mayo elevates the representation of the body in the aquatic environment to a nearly transcendent realm, where the figure ceases to be merely anatomical and becomes a vehicle for sensory experience and absolute release. The composition, built from a low and dynamic angle, captures the instant when the body curves in suspension, completely surrendered to the water’s fluidity.

The handling of light is particularly outstanding: the aquatic refractions project onto the skin as organic strokes that model the figure with an almost sculptural intensity. These luminous lines not only describe volume but imprint a vibrant energy that runs through the body, heightening the tension between physical strength and emotional surrender.

The fragmentation of the face—hidden behind the explosion of bubbles—eliminates the subject’s concrete identity, universalizing the experience. This device reinforces the piece’s conceptual reading: we do not observe a person, but a state. A suspended instant where gravity, control, and thought dissolve.

The contrast between the deep blue and the warm glints on the surface creates a spatial duality that suggests movement: between air and water, between awareness and liberation, between the tangible and the ephemeral. Mayo demonstrates here a refined understanding of acrylic as a medium capable of simultaneously capturing technical precision and visceral emotion.

“Ecstasy Submerged” positions itself as a piece with high visual impact and poetic charge, particularly attractive to collectors who value contemporary figuration with mastery of light, movement, and implicit narrative.

The work is carefully shipped protected in a transport tube to ensure its optimum conservation.


JOSE MANUEL MAYO PEÑA

- Born in Las Tunas, Las Tunas Province, Cuba, 1976
- Graduated in 1997 with a specialization in drawing and painting at the School of Plastic Arts in Las Tunas
- Member of the Association Hermanos Saíz (AHS)
- Member of the Union of Writers and Artists (UNEAC)
- Has served as specialist and curator at Fayad Jamis and Guernica galleries in Las Tunas
- Joined artistic teaching in 2001 as a drawing professor
- Currently an independent artist and professor at the Academy of Plastic Arts in Las Tunas
- Member of the Martiana Chair.

Exhibitions Colectivas y Eventos

• 2024
• 2023 Here We Are. Collective Exhibition. Fayad Jamis Gallery. Fbc. Las Tunas. December.
2023 Small Form Sculpture Salon. José Antonio Díaz Peláez. Las Tunas. CPAP. CODEMA., Las Tunas. Gallery, Centre for the Development of Plastic Arts. Las Tunas. November.
2023 UNEAC Salon. UNEAC Gallery. Las Tunas. October.
2023 Collective Expo. When I Came to This World. Gallery. La Jungla of Nicolás Guillen Foundation. Las Tunas. September.
2023 The Plastic in April Salon. Provincial Council of Plastic Arts Las Tunas. April
2022 1st Abstract Art Salon Díaz Peláez. Belkis Ayón Gallery. Vedado. Havana. September.
2022 Collective Exhibition. Shoot to Hit. 61st Anniversary. UNEAC Headquarters Gallery. August.
2022 Mayo Abstracto. Collective Virtual Exhibition. V Taller de pintura abstracta. La Cruzada. UNEAC. Las Tunas. May.
2022 Collective Exhibition. Centre for the Development of Visual Arts. Las Tunas. Result of the 5th Abstract Art Workshop. Project La Cruzada. May.
2022 V Mayo Abstracto Workshop La Cruzada. UNEAC Gallery. Las Tunas. May
2022 Solo usted y la luna. Collective Exhibition. Nicolás Guillen Foundation. Gallery. La Jungla. Las Tunas. April.
2022 The Freedom of Space. Collective Virtual Exhibition of Abstract Art. Belkis Ayón Gallery. Vedado, Havana. February–March.
2022 Return to Light. Tribute to the master. Collective Exhibition. UNEAC Gallery. Las Tunas. January
2021 UNEAC Salon. UNEAC Gallery. Las Tunas. November.

2021 Collective Expo All the Hands. National Culture Day. Provincial Council of Plastic Arts. Las Tunas. October–November.

2021 Collective Painting Exhibition of Cuban Painters Homage to Pedro de Oraá. Mayo Abstracto. UNEAC Gallery. Las Tunas. May.

2020 UNEAC Salon 2020. For Cuban Culture Day. Provincial Gallery of Plastic Arts. Las Tunas. October.
2020 Collective Expo Mujer- Luz. Decimarte. Gallery From a Deep Lookout. Las Tunas. March.
2020 Erotic Art Salon. UNEAC Gallery Las Tunas. February.
2020 Collective Exhibition Light in the Soul. 167th Anniversary of José Martí’s Birth. UNEAC Gallery. Las Tunas. January.
2019 UNEAC Salon Las Tunas. Homage to Cuban Culture Day. UNEAC Gallery. Las Tunas. October.
2019 National Meeting of Abstract Art. Imán IV. Collage Gallery Habana. August. Havana.
2019 Abstract Confluence. Collective Exhibition. IV Abstract Art Workshop. Project La Cruzada. Provincial Arts Gallery Las Tunas. May–June.
2019 Digital Art Salon. Dedicated to the 9th UNEAC Congress. UNEAC Gallery Las Tunas. April.
2018 Collective Exhibition Osmosis II. AHS. Youth Creators Project. Guernica Gallery. Las Tunas. November–December.
2018 National Exhibition of Abstract Art. Imán 3. Fausto Cristo Room. UNEAC. Holguín. November.
2018 UNEAC Salon. Glints of Identity. Las Tunas. UNEAC Gallery. October.
2018 Collective Exhibition. Osmosis. Youth Creators Project. Guernica Gallery. AHS. August–September. Las Tunas.
2018 Abstract Art. National Salon. Collective Exhibition. “Gestural Suggestions.” La Confronta Gallery. Santiago de Cuba UNEAC Provincial Committee. May.
2018 Abstract Art (May Abstract) La Cruzada Project. Fayad Jamís Gallery. Collective Expo. Las Tunas.
2018 The Plastic in April Salon. Provincial Council of Plastic Arts. Las Tunas. April.
2018 Digital Art Salon. Dedicated to the 30th edition of the Provincial Plastic Art Salon The Plastic in April. UNEAC Gallery. April. Las Tunas.
2018 Collective Exhibition. Abstracts at Home. Project: “La Cruzada.” March–April. Las Tunas.
2018 Abstract Art Salon. Expressive Gestures. La Cruzada Project. UNEAC Gallery. March. Las Tunas.
2018 On Purple. Erotic Art Salon. Gallery of the UNEAC Provincial Committee. February–March. Las Tunas.
2017 Winter Salon, Fayad Jamís Gallery. Las Tunas.
2017 Imán II, Project La Cruzada, Lario Gallery, Camaguey.
2017 Homage, UNEAC Gallery, Las Tunas.
2017 Contemporary Cuban Artists, Rocca Aldobrandesca-Piacastagnaio. Italy
2017 Imán Project La Cruzada, National Theatre Gallery of Cuba. Havana.
2016 Collective Exhibition Abstract Painters Fayad Jamís Gallery. Las Tunas.
2016 Abstract Regenerations. Art Center. Las Tunas.
2016 Cuba Pearl of the Caribbean. Rocca Medieval Passignano. Italy.
2016 Tuna Brava Collective Exhibition Guernica Gallery Las Tunas.
2016 30th Anniversary Salon. Guernica Gallery Las Tunas.
2016 Immersion III xilography. Fayad Jamís Gallery. Las Tunas.
2015 Cuba How Beautiful Cuba Is. Citta’ d’ La Pieve Umbría Italy
2014 Collective Exhibition 100 Abstract Painters. Alba Cultural House. Havana
2014 Collective Exhibition A Color for Clemen Greember Project THE CRUSADE. UNEAC, Las Tunas.
2014 Collective Exhibition for the 45th Anniversary of Arts Education in Las Tunas. Provincial Centre of Plastic Arts. Las Tunas
2013 Collective Exhibition of Abstract Painting “LA CRUZADA.” Provincial Centre of Plastic Arts. Las Tunas.
2012 Salon The Plastic in April. Provincial Centre of Plastic Arts. Las Tunas.
2011 Strictly Collective. Exhibition for UNEAC’s 50th Anniversary. Provincial Centre of Plastic Arts. Las Tunas.
2011 Cuban Homage. Provincial Museum. Las Tunas.
2011 Expo “4x4” Gallery La Jungla, Huellas Cultural Center, Las Tunas.
2011 Retrospective Graduates of the Las Tunas Art School, Tunas Theater
2010 II Eastern Salon, Emilio Bacardí Museum, Santiago de Cuba.
2009 Summer Salon UNEAC, Las Tunas.
2008 II Erotic Art Salon (With the Gentle Grace of Nudity). UNEAC, Las Tunas.
2008 I Eastern Salon, Emilio Bacardí Museum, Santiago de Cuba.
2008 Collective Photo Exhibition (SOBRE-EXPOSICIÓN). UNEAC, Las Tunas.
2008 I Photography Event, UNEAC, Pto. Padre, Las Tunas.
2007 Ceramics Event, Cover Design. Las Tunas.
2007 Arte Cuba Exhibition, Valencia, Spain.
2007 Cuban Art Exhibition, Italy.
2007 Drammen and Cuba Exhibition, Drammen Theatre, Norway.
2007 I Erotic Art Salon UNEAC, Las Tunas.
2007 Collective Abstract Art Exhibition “LA CRUZADA” under the Cultural Huellas project.
2006 UNEAC Salon of Las Tunas.
2006 Expo of Tuner artists in Germany.
2006 Collective Expo for UNEAC entry “UNEAC of Las Tunas.”
2006 Collective Expo “My City” for Las Tunas’ 210th anniversary.
2006 Expo “Artists of the Cultural Assets Fund” Fayad Jamís Gallery.
2006 UNEAC members’ collective expo marking Culture Week in Las Tunas.
2006 UNEAC Salon of Las Tunas.
2006 Collective Expo of Abstract Art, Havana.
2006 Fourth Abstract Art Event “La Cruzada” Holguín Art Center
2006 2005 Award Salon of 2005
2006 Third Abstract Art Event ‘La Cruzada’ UNEAC Guantánamo
2006 I Abstract Art Workshop ‘Abstract Spirit’ Sancti Spíritus
2005 Miniatures Salon.
2005 “Plastic in April” Salon.
2005 I Abstract Art Event “La Cruzada” (UNEAC Manzanillo).
2005 Tunera Plastic Muestra.
2005 II Abstract Art Event “La Cruzada” (UNEAC Las Tunas).
2004 UNEAC Salon.
2004 2003 Award Salon.
2003 Salon “Lucilo León Águila.”
2003 Salon “Carlos Enríquez.”
2002 UNEAC Salon.
2002 Fayad Jamís Salon.
2001 Plastic in April Salon (Provincial culture prize).
2000 City Youth Salon “Guernica.”
2000 XVII Salon “Plastic in April.”
2000 Plastic arts retrospective.
2000 Sculptural Fountain Project. (Group A.S)
2000 Four sculptures for “Villa Covarrubias” (Group A.S)
1999 X Edition Fayad Jamís Salon “AHS Awarded Prize.”
1999 Prize, Premiados Salon.
1999 City Youth Salon “Guernica.”
1999 XVI Salon Plastic in April.
1999 Tuners exhibit in Moa.
1999 Ecological Art Event.
1998 XV Salon Plastic in April.
1998 Tenth Mural Salon.
1998 Tunera Plastic.
1998 Young Printmakers Salon.
1998 AHS Exhibits “Convenient Space.”
1998 City Youth Salon “Guernica.”
1998 V Territorial Salon José A. Díaz Peláez.
1998 VIII Salon José Martines Ochoa.
1997 VII José Martines Ochoa.
1997 National Salon tenth mural, Las Tunas.
1995 Show of 12 Students from the Professional School of Plastic Arts.
1994–1995 February 14 Salon.
1993 Exhibiting students from the Professional School of Plastic Arts.

Awards and Mentions

2011 Award, “Plastic in April” Salon Las Tunas.
2005 Second Prize UNEAC Salon.
2003 Third Prize “Carlos Enríquez” Salon
2001 Plastic in April Salon (Provincial culture prize).
2000 Special Mention for Sculptural Fountain Project. (Group A.S)
2000 Prize, Four Sculptures for “Villa Cobarrubias” (Group A.S).
1999 X Edition Fayad Jamís Prize “AHS Awarded Prize.”
1998 Prize City Young Salon “Guernica”.
1998 Mention, V Territorial Salon José A. Díaz Peláez.
1998 Prize VIII Salon José Martines Ochoa.
1997 Mention, VII José Martines Ochoa.

Personal and Biographical Exhibitions

2017 Miniatures. Museum of the Constitution. Guáimaro. Camagüey.
2006 Bipersonal Exhibition “City Notes” with Vladimir Santiago. UNAAIC, Las Tunas.
2006 Bipersonal Exhibition “Common Differences II” with Yamila Coma Vargas. Puerto Padre Gallery
2006 Bipersonal Exhibition “Common Differences” with Yamila Coma Vargas. Hotel Inglaterra, Havana.
2006 Personal Exhibition ‘Intimate Inequality’ (Guest artist: Yoángel Batista)
2005 Tripersonal Exhibition “=3” (with Yamila Coma and Helier Batista).
2000 Bipersonal Exhibition “We Are Not Responsible” with Leosvanis Mayo.
1998 Bipersonal Exhibition (Mundos) with Ángel Peña.
1998 Personal Exhibition “Piety Is Called Delilah.”
1997 Personal Exhibition “Friezes of Life.”
1997 Solo Exhibition in ISPJAE, Havana.
1997 Personal Exhibition at the Puerto Padre Museum.
2017 Creates the sprouts workshop of cucalambé at the Martíres del 28 de Diciembre school
2015 Radio Victoria interview, Las Tunas
2015 Tunas Vision Cultural News interview.
2015 Participates as Producer together with plastic artist Yamila Comas Vargas in a ceramic mural for the municipality of Jobabo, Las Tunas.
2013 Conference at the first abstract art workshop. UNEAC, Las Tunas.
2013 His work is part of the collection at Marimbartgallery Quebec, Canada
2013 Serves as juror in selecting works for the Escaramujo salon of the José Martí Brigade.
2011 Interview for Radio Victoria, Las Tunas
2004 Participates as Producer with Yamila Comas Vargas in a pictorial mural at the Toma de Las Tunas Primary School, Las Tunas municipality.
2003 Participates as producer with Yamila Coma Vargas and Jesús Vega Faura in two monumental sculptures, at Marcelo Salado Primary School, Colombia municipality.
2002 Participates as producer with Yamila Coma Vargas and Jesús Vega Faura in three pictorial murals, at Jesús Argüelles Primary School, Las Tunas municipality.
2001 Jury member at the municipal salon “Carlos Enríquez” in Amancio Rodríguez
1999 Interview for the program “Quehacer” Tunas Vision
1999 Jury member in the 9th José Martines Ochoa Salon
1998 Interview for Radio Victoria, Las Tunas
He has illustrated poems and décimas for various Las Tunas writers, works published by the Sanlope editorial in Las Tunas
- 2000 “Cánticas de escarnio” by Osmani Eduardo
- 2000 “Sombras” by Frank Castel
- 1998 “La piedad se llama Dalila” by Julio A Molinet
His work is held in private collections in Cuba, USA, Spain, Norway, Italy, England, Puerto Rico, and France.