Jose Manuel Mayo Peña - Umbral de Inmersión

Jose Manuel Mayo Peña
Threshold of Immersion, 2026
acrylic on canvas, 36 × 53 cm
Signed (lower right)
Includes certificate of authenticity issued and signed by the artist
There are moments when the world transforms completely. In “Threshold of Immersion,” Jose Manuel Mayo Peña captures with extraordinary force the exact instant when a woman crosses the border 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 an arm, as if inviting us to accompany her on that journey. The rising bubbles, the light filtering from the surface, and the sea floor discerned in the depths create a living, vibrant, and deeply immersive atmosphere.
This painting is not merely an underwater scene. It is a threshold. It represents that precise moment of surrender, of leaving behind the known to venture into the unknown. The water envelops the body, sound disappears, gravity changes, and everything slows down, becoming 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 capturing the emotion of that very first moment of immersion: the mix of awe, freedom, and a touch of 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 gentle weight of the body floating.
“Threshold of Immersion” is a work that invites contemplation and a longing for adventure. It speaks of the beauty of exploring new worlds, of the connection with nature, and of those moments when one feels utterly alive.
A piece with great 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 with a specialization in drawing and painting from the Professional School of Plastic Arts in Las Tunas.

- Member of the Hermanos Saíz Association (A.H.S.)

- Member of the Union of Writers and Artists (UNEAC)

- Has worked as a specialist and curator at the Fayad Jamis and Guernica galleries in Las Tunas

- Joined artistic teaching in 2001 as a drawing teacher.

- Currently an independent artist and professor at the Academy of Plastic Arts in Las Tunas.

- Member of the Martiana Chair.

Collected Exhibitions and Events

· 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, Center for the Development of Plastic Arts. Las Tunas. November.

2023 UNEAC Salon. UNEAC Gallery. Las Tunas. October.

2023 Collective Expo. When I Came into This World. Gallery. The Jungle of Nicolás Guillen Foundation. Las Tunas. September.

2023 Salon. The Plastic in April. Provincial Gallery of Plastic Arts Las Tunas. April

2022 First Abstract Art Salon Díaz Peláez. Belkis Ayón Gallery. Vedado. Havana. September.

2022 Collective Exhibition. Shooting to the Target. 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 Development of Visual Arts. Las Tunas. Result of the 5th Workshop of Abstract Art. The Crusade Project. May.

2022 Mayo Abstract Workshop La Cruzada. UNEAC Gallery. Las Tunas. May

2022 Only You and the Moon. Collective Exhibition. Nicolás Guillen Foundation Gallery. The Jungle. Las Tunas. April.

2022 The Freedom of Space. Collective Virtual Exhibition of Abstract Art. Belkis Ayón Gallery. Vedado, Havana. February–March.

2022 Turn on the 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 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 Exhibition Woman- Light. Decimarte. Gallery From a Deep View. 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. Tribute to 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. Center for the Development of Plastic Arts 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. Identity Highlights. 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. UNEAC Provincial Committee. Santiago de Cuba. May.
2018 Abstract Art (May Abstract) The Crusade Project. Fayad Jamís Gallery. Collective Exhibition. 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 Salon The Plastic in April. UNEAC Gallery. April. Las Tunas.
2018 Collective Exhibition. Abstracts at Home. Project: “The Crusade.” March–April. Las Tunas.
2018 Abstract Art Salon. Expressive Abstracts. The Crusade Project. UNEAC Gallery. March. Las Tunas.
2018 About the 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 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, Cuban National Theatre Gallery. 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 Woodcut. Fayad Jamís Gallery. Las Tunas.
2015 Cuba how lovely 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 The Crusade Project. UNEAC, Las Tunas.
2014 Collective Exhibition for the 45th anniversary of artistic education in Las Tunas. Provincial Center of Plastic Arts. Las Tunas
2013 Collective Painting Exhibition ´LA CRUZADA´. Provincial Center of Plastic Arts. Las Tunas.
2012 The Plastic in April 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, 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 a light grace of the nudes). UNEAC, Las Tunas.
2008 I Eastern Salon, Emilio Bacardí Museum, Santiago de Cuba.
2008 Collective Photography Exhibition (SOBRE-EXPOSICIÓN). UNEAC, Las Tunas.
2008 I Photography Event, UNEAC, Pto. Padre, Las Tunas.
2007 Ceramic Event, cover design. Las Tunas.
2007 Art Cuba Expo, Valencia, Spain.
2007 Cuban Art Expo, Italy.
2007 Drammen and Cuba Expo, Drammen Theatre, Norway.
2007 I Erotic Art Salon UNEAC, Las Tunas.
2007 Collective exhibition of abstract art ´LA CRUZADA´ from the Cultural Huellas project.
2006 UNEAC Salon of Las Tunas.
2006 Expo of Tunero artists in Germany.
2006 Collective Expo for UNEAC admission ´UNEAC of Las Tunas´.
2006 Collective Expo ´My City´ for the 210th anniversary of Las Tunas.
2006 Expo ´Artists of the Cultural Assets Fund´ Fayad Jamís Gallery.
2006 Collective Expo of UNEAC members in celebration of 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 Salon of the 2005 Awardees
2006 Third Abstract Art Event ‘La Cruzada’ UNEAC Guantánamo
2006 I Abstract Art Workshop ‘Spirit Abstract’ Sancti Spíritus
2005 Miniatures Salon.
2005 “Plastic in April” Salon.
2005 I Abstract Art Event “La Cruzada” (UNEAC Manzanillo).
2005 Tunero Plastic Show.
2005 II Abstract Art Event “La Cruzada” (UNEAC Las Tunas).
2004 UNEAC Salon.
2004 2003 Awardees Salon.
2003 Salon “Lucilo León Águila”.
2003 Salon “Carlos Enríquez”.
2002 UNEAC Salon.
2002 “Fayad Jamís” Salon.
2001 Plastic in April Salon (Provincial culture award).
2000 City Young 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 Covarrubias” (Group A.S).
1999 X Edition Fayad Jamís Salon “Prize Awarded by AHS”.
1999 Prize for Awardees.
1999 Young City Salon “Guernica”.
1999 XVI Plastic in April.
1999 Tuneros exhibit in Moa.
1999 Environmental Art Event.
1998 XV Plastic in April Salon.
1998 Tenth Mural Salon.
1998 Tunera Plastic.
1998 Young Print Salon.
1998 A.H.S exhibits “Convenient Space”.
1998 Young City Salon “Guernica”.
1998 Fifth Territorial Salon José A. Díaz Peláez.
1998 Eighth José Martínes Ochoa Salon.
1997 Seventh José Martínes Ochoa Salon.
1997 National Salon of the Tenth Mural, Las Tunas.
1995 Show of 12 Students from the Professional School of Plastic Arts.
1994–1995 February 14 Salon.
1993 The students of the Professional School of Plastic Arts exhibit.

Awards and Mentions

2011 Award, Salon “Plastic in April” Las Tunas.
2005 Second Prize, UNEAC Salon.
2003 Third 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 Prize “Prize Awarded by AHS”.
1998 Prize, Young City Salon “Guernica”.
1998 Mention, V Fifth Territorial Salon José A. Díaz Peláez.
1998 Prize, VIII José Martínes Ochoa Salon.
1997 Mention, VII José Martínes Ochoa Salon.

Solo and Biographical Exhibitions

2017 Miniatures. Constitution Museum. Guáimaro. Camagüey.
2006 Two-person Exhibition “Urban Sketches” with Vladimir Santiago. UNAAIC, Las Tunas.
2006 Two-person Exhibition “Different Commonalities II” with Yamila Coma Vargas. Puerto Padre Gallery
2006 Two-person Exhibition “Different Commonalities” with Yamila Coma Vargas. Hotel Inglaterra, Havana.
2006 Solo Exhibition ‘Intimate Inequality (Guest artist: Yoángel Batista)
2005 Triptych Exhibition “=3” (with Yamila Coma and Helier Batista).
2000 Two-person Exhibition “We Are Not Responsible” with Leosvanis Mayo.
1998 Two-person Exhibition (Mundos) with Ángel Peña.
1998 Solo Exhibition “Piety is Called Delilah.”
1997 Solo Exhibition “Friezes of Life.”
1997 Solo Exhibition ISPJAE, Havana.
1997 Solo Exhibition at the Puerto Padre Museum.
2017 Creates the Sprouts Workshop of the Cucalambé at the Martyrs of December 28 School
2015 Interview for Radio Victoria, Las Tunas
2015 Interview for Tunas Visión Cultural News.
2015 Participates as Producer together with plastic artist Yamila Comas Vargas in a ceramic mural for the municipality of Jobabo, Las Tunas.
2013 Lecture on the first abstract art workshop. UNEAC, Las Tunas.
2013 His work is part of the collection at Marimbartgallery Quebec, Canada
2013 Serves as a juror for selecting works for the Escaramujo salon of the José Martí Brigade.
2011 Interview for Radio Victoria, Las Tunas
2004 Participates as Producer together with Yamila Comas Vargas in a pictorial mural at the Elementary School “Toma de Las Tunas,” Tunas municipality.
2003 Participates as producer together with Yamila Coma Vargas and Jesús Vega Faura in two monumental sculptures at the Elementary School “Marcelo Salado,” Colombia municipality.
2002 Participates as producer together with Yamila Coma Vargas and Jesús Vega Faura in three pictorial murals at the Elementary School “Jesús Argüelles,” Las Tunas municipality.
2001 Jury member at the municipal salon “Carlos Enríquez” in Amancio Rodríguez
1999 Interview for the program “Quehacer” Tunas Vision
1999 Serves as juror in the 9th José Martínes Ochoa Salon
1998 Interview for Radio Victoria, Las Tunas
He has illustrated poems and décimas for various writers from Las Tunas; the works have been published by the Sanlope editorial in Las Tunas
- 2000 “Cánticas de escarnio” by Osmani Eduardo
- 2000 “Shadows” by Frank Castel
- 1998 “Piety is Called Delilah” by Julio A Molinet
His work is in private collections in Cuba, USA, Spain, Norway, Italy, England, Puerto Rico, and France.