Jose Manuel Mayo Peña - Umbral de Inmersión

Jose Manuel Mayo Peña
Umbral de Inmersión, 2026
acrylic on canvas, 36 × 53 cm
Signed (lower right)
Includes authenticity certificate issued and signed by the artist
There are moments when the world completely transforms. In “Umbral de Inmersión,” Jose Manuel Mayo Peña captures with extraordinary force the exact instant when a woman crosses the boundary between two realities: air and water.
The work places us inside the ocean, sharing the diver’s gaze. Her face, framed by the mask and hair floating freely, looks directly at us while she extends her arm, as if inviting us to accompany her on that journey. Bubbles rising, light filtering from the surface, and the seafloor hinted at in the depth create a living, vibrant, deeply immersive atmosphere.
This painting is not just a submarine scene. It is a threshold. It represents that precise moment of surrender, of leaving what is known to venture into the unknown. The water envelops the body, sound disappears, gravity changes, and everything slows down—more intimate, more essential. The diver seems to be in a state of full presence, connected with the sea and with herself.
Mayo Peña masterfully conveys the beauty of the underwater world while also conveying the emotion of that first moment of immersion: the mix of awe, freedom, and a slight vulnerability felt when crossing that invisible line. The light, color, and movement of the water are treated with a sensitivity that makes the viewer almost feel the freshness of the ocean and the light weight of the body floating.
“Umbral de Inmersión” is a work that invites contemplation and the desire for adventure. It speaks of the beauty of exploring new worlds, of the connection with nature, and of those moments when one feels completely alive.
A piece with strong visual and emotional impact, ideal for collectors seeking contemporary figurative art with depth, atmosphere, and the ability to transport the viewer to another place.


JOSE MANUEL MAYO PEÑA

- Born in Las Tunas, Las Tunas Province, Cuba, (1976)
- Graduated in 1997 in the drawing and painting specialty at the Professional School of Plastic Arts in Las Tunas.
- Member of the Asociación Hermanos Saíz (AHS)
- Member of the Unión de escritores y artistas (UNEAC)
- Has served as specialist and curator in Fayad Jamis and Guernica galleries in Las Tunas
- Joined artistic teaching in 2001 as drawing professor.
- Currently an independent artist and professor at the Academy of Plastic Arts in Las Tunas.
- Member of the Martiana Chair.

Solo and Collective Exhibitions and Events

· 2024

· 2023 Here We Are. Collective Exhibition. Fayad Jamis Gallery. Fbc. Las Tunas. December.
2023 Small Form Sculpture Hall. José Antonio Díaz Peláez. Las Tunas. CPAP. CODEMA., Las Tunas. Gallery, Center 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. The Jungle of Nicolás Guillen Foundation. Las Tunas. September.
2023 Salon. Plastic Arts in April. Provincial Gallery of Plastic Arts Las Tunas. April
2022 1st Abstract Art Salon Díaz Peláez. Belkis Ayón Gallery. Vedado. Havana. September.
2022 Collective Exhibition. Target Practice. 61st Anniversary. UNEAC Headquarters Gallery. August.
2022 Mayo Abstract. Virtual Collective Exhibition. 5th Abstract Art Workshop. The Crusade Project. Las Tunas. May.
2022 Collective Exhibition. Center for the Development of Visual Arts. Las Tunas. Result of the 5th Abstract Art Workshop. The Crusade Project. May.
2022 Mayo Abstract Workshop. The Crusade. UNEAC Gallery. Las Tunas. May
2022 Solo you and the moon. Collective Exhibition. Nicolás Guillen Foundation. Jungle Gallery. Las Tunas. April.
2022 The Freedom of Space. Collective Virtual Exhibition of Abstract Art. Belkis Ayón Gallery. Vedado, Havana. February–March.
2022 Return of Light. Tribute to the master. Collective Exhibition. UNEAC Gallery. Las Tunas. January
2021 UNEAC Salon. UNEAC Gallery. Las Tunas. November.

2021 Collective Expo All Hands. National Culture Day. Provincial Council of Plastic Arts. Las Tunas. October–November.
2021 Collective Exhibition of Cuban Painters Tribute 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 Woman–Light. Decimarte. Gallery From a Deep Lookout. Las Tunas. March.
2020 Erotic Art Salon. UNEAC Gallery Las Tunas. February.
2020 Exhibition Light in the Soul. 167th Anniversary of José Martí’s Birth. UNEAC Gallery. Las Tunas. January.
2019 UNEAC Salon Las Tunas. Tribute to the Cuban culture day. UNEAC Gallery. Las Tunas. October.
2019 National Meeting of Abstract Art. Imán IV. Collage Habana Gallery. August. Havana.
2019 Abstract Confluence. Collective Exhibition. IV Abstract Art Workshop. The Crusade Project. Provincial Gallery of Plastic Arts Las Tunas. May–June.
2019 Digital Art Salon. Dedicated to UNEAC’s 9th Congress. UNEAC Gallery. Las Tunas. April.
2018 Collective Exhibition Osmosis II. AHS. Young Creators Project. Guernica Gallery. Las Tunas. November–December.
2018 National Abstract Art Exhibition. Imán 3. Fausto Cristo Hall. UNEAC. Holguín. November.
2018 UNEAC Salon. Dazzles of Identity. Las Tunas. UNEAC Gallery. October.
2018 Collective Exhibition. Osmosis. Young Creators Project. Guernica Gallery. AHS. August–September. Las Tunas.
2018 Abstract Art. National Salon. Collective Exhibition. Gestural Suggestions. La Confronta Gallery. UNEAC Provincial Committee. Santiago de Cuba. May.
2018 Abstract Art (May Abstract) The Crusade Project. Fayad Jamís Gallery. Collective Exhibition. Las Tunas.
2018 April Plastics Salon. Provincial Council of Plastic Arts. Las Tunas. April.
2018 Digital Art Salon. Dedicated to the 30th edition of the Provincial Plastics Salon. UNEAC Gallery. April. Las Tunas.
2018 Collective Exhibition. Abstracts at Home. Project: “The Crusade.” Las Tunas. March–April.
2018 Abstract Art Salon. Expressive Abstracts. The Crusade Project. UNEAC Gallery. March. Las Tunas.
2018 On Purple. Erotic Art Salon. UNEAC Committee Gallery. February–March. Las Tunas.
2017 Winter Salon, Fayad Jamís Gallery. Las Tunas.
2017 Imán II The Crusade project, Lario Gallery, Camagüey.
2017 Tribute, UNEAC Gallery, Las Tunas.
2017 Contemporary Cuban Artists, Rocca Aldobrandesca-Piacastagnaio. Italy
2017 Imán The Crusade project, 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 Caribbean pearl. Roca Medieval Passignano. Italy.
2016 Tuna Brava Collective Exhibition Guernica Gallery Las Tunas.
2016 30th Anniversary Salon. Guernica Gallery Las Tunas.
2016 Inmersión III Woodblock Print. Fayad Jamís Gallery. Las Tunas.
2015 Cuba how beautiful Cuba is. Città di La Pieve Umbria 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 artistic teaching in Las Tunas. Provincial Center of Plastic Arts. Las Tunas
2013 Collective exhibition of abstract painting “THE CRUSADE.” Provincial Center of Plastic Arts. Las Tunas.
2012 April Plastics Salon. Provincial Center of Plastic Arts. Las Tunas.
2011 Strictly Collective. Exhibition for the 50th anniversary of UNEAC. Provincial Center of Plastic Arts. Las Tunas.
2011 Cuban Tribute. Provincial Museum. Las Tunas.
2011 Expo “4x4” Jungle Gallery, Cultural Center Footprints, Las Tunas.
2011 Retrospective Graduates of the Las Tunas Art School, Tunas Theatre
2010 II Eastern Salon, Emilio Bacardí Museum, Santiago de Cuba.
2009 Summer UNEAC Salon, Las Tunas.
2008 II Erotic Art Salon (With a touch of nudity). UNEAC, Las Tunas.
2008 I Eastern Salon, Emilio Bacardí Museum, Santiago de Cuba.
2008 Collective Photography Exhibition (SOBRE-EXPOSICIÓN). UNEAC, Las Tunas.
2008 First Photography Event, UNEAC, Pto. Padre, Las Tunas.
2007 Ceramics Event, Cover Design. Las Tunas.
2007 Cuba Art 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 Exhibition of Abstract Art “THE CRUSADE” under the cultural Huellas.
2006 UNEAC Salon Las Tunas.
2006 Exhibition of Tunero artists in Germany.
2006 Collective Exhibition for UNEAC entry “UNEAC Las Tunas.”
2006 Collective Exhibition “My City” for the city’s 210th anniversary Las Tunas.
2006 Exhibition “Artists of the Cultural Assets Fund” Fayad Jamís Gallery.
2006 Collective UNEAC members Exhibition for Culture Week in Las Tunas.
2006 UNEAC Salon Las Tunas.

2006 Collective Abstract Art Exhibition, Havana.
2006 Fourth Abstract Art Event “The Crusade” Holguín Art Center
2006 2005 Awarded Salon
2006 Third Abstract Art Event ‘The Crusade’ UNEAC Guantánamo
2006 I Abstract Art Workshop ‘Abstract Spirit’ Sancti Spíritus
2005 Miniatures Salon.
2005 Plástica in April Salon.
2005 I Abstract Art Event “The Crusade” (UNEAC Manzanillo).
2005 Tunero Plastic Muestra.
2005 II Abstract Art Event “The Crusade” (UNEAC Las Tunas).
2004 UNEAC Salon.
2004 2003 Awarded Salon.
2003 Salon “Lucilo León Águila”.
2003 Salon “Carlos Enríquez”.
2002 UNEAC Salon.
2002 Salon “Fayad Jamis”.
2001 Plastic in April Salon (Provincial culture prize).
2000 Young City Salon “Guernica”.
2000 XVII Salon “Plastic in April”.
2000 Retrospective of Tunera plastic.
2000 Sculptural Source Project. (Group A.S).
2000 Four sculptures for “Villa Cobarrubias” (Group A.S).
1999 X Edition Fayad Jamís Salon “Prize Awarded by AHS”.
1999 Prize Salon.
1999 Young City Salon “Guernica”.
1999 XVI Salon plastic in April.
1999 Tuneros exhibit in Moa.
1999 Ecological Art Event.
1998 XV Salon plastic in April.
1998 Tenth mural Salon.
1998 Tunera Plastic.
1998 Young Stamps Salon.
1998 AHS exhibits “Convenient Space”.
1998 Young City 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 Students of the Professional School of Plastic Arts exhibit.

Awards and Honors

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

Solo and Biographical Exhibitions

2017 Miniatures. Museum of the Constitution. Guáimaro. Camagüey.
2006 Bi-personal Exhibition “Notes of the Citadel” with Vladimir Santiago. UNAAIC, Las Tunas.
2006 Bi-personal Exhibition “Common Differences II” with Yamila Coma Vargas. Puerto Padre Gallery
2006 Bi-personal 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 Bi-personal Exhibition “We Are Not Responsible” with Leosvanis Mayo.
1998 Bi-personal Exhibition (Mundos) with Ángel Peña.
1998 Personal Exhibition “Piety is called Delilah.”
1997 Personal Exhibition “Friezes of Life.”
1997 Exhibition “Pages” ISPJAE, Havana.
1997 Personal Exhibition at Puerto Padre Museum.
2017 Creates the sprouts workshop at the cucalambé at the Mártires del 28 de diciembre school
2015 Interview for Radio Victoria, Las Tunas
2015 Interview for Tunas visión Cultural News.
2015 Participates as Producer with artist Yamila Comas Vargas in a ceramic mural for the municipality of Jobabo, Las Tunas.
2013 Conference on the first abstract art workshop. UNEAC, Las Tunas.
2013 His work is part of the collection at marimbartgallery Quebec, Canada
2013 Participates as a jury member in selecting works for the Escaramujo Salon of the José Martí Brigade.
2011 Interview for Radio Victoria, Las Tunas
2004 Participates as Producer with artist Yamila Comas Vargas in a pictorial mural at the Toma de Las Tunas Primary School, Tunas municipality.
2003 Participates as producer with Yamila Coma Vargas and Jesús Vega Faura in two monumental sculptures at the Marcelo Salado Primary School, Colombia municipality.
2002 Participates as producer with Yamila Coma Vargas and Jesús Vega Faura in three mural paintings at the Jesús Argüelles Primary School, Las Tunas.
2001 Jury member at the municipal salon “Carlos Enríquez” in Amancio Rodríguez
1999 Interview for the program “Quehacer” Tunas visión
1999 Jury member in the 9th José Martines Ochoa Salon
1998 Interview for Radio Victoria, Las Tunas
He has illustrated poems and décimas for several writers from Las Tunas; the works have been 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 part of private collections in Cuba, USA, Spain, Norway, Italy, England, Puerto Rico, and France.