Jose Manuel Mayo Peña - Primavera XL

In Spring, José Manuel Mayo Peña deliberately distances himself from the literal representation of the landscape to explore the emotional essence of rebirth. The work does not intend to describe a season, but to translate the energy of its eruption through a gestural pictorial language, where color assumes a structural and expressive role above any figurative reference.

The composition is built on a constant tension between intensely saturated chromatic masses and broad runs of free brushwork. The bright reds, electric blues, acidic greens, and luminous yellows do not obey a naturalistic logic, but rather a carefully orchestrated balance that turns apparent chaos into a visually cohesive architectural whole.

One of the most significant elements of the piece is the large white gesture that crosses the canvas diagonally. More than a mere compositional device, it functions as a dynamic axis that organizes the pictorial space and guides the viewer’s gaze. This intervention acts as a current of light or a vital impulse that fragments and, at the same time, unifies the whole, generating a visually intense rhythm.

Far from purely formal abstraction, Mayo maintains a delicate balance between spontaneity and control. Each layering of coats, each transparency, and every black line introduce visual pauses that prevent chromatic saturation from turning into stridence. There is a clear awareness of the weight of each color within the plane and a notable sensitivity to the relationships between emptiness and matter.

From a critical perspective, Primavera reveals a mature understanding of contemporary abstract expressionism. The painting does not seek to impress with isolated technical complexity, but through the capacity of the gesture to convey an immediate sensory experience. The pictorial matter remains fresh, avoiding over-elaboration, while the composition reveals a planning that only becomes evident after prolonged observation.

The strength of the work lies precisely in that duality: spontaneous in appearance, rigorous in its construction. The viewer does not find a closed narrative, but an open space where perception continually fluctuates between movement, light, and the memory of the landscape.

Rather than representing spring, José Manuel Mayo proposes experiencing it. The canvas becomes a territory where color germinates, expands, and clashes with itself until a vibrant balance is reached, making this piece a solid manifestation of contemporary lyrical abstraction.

JOSE MANUEL MAYO PEÑA

- Born in Las Tunas, Las Tunas Province, Cuba, (1976)

- Graduated in 1997 in drawing and painting at the Escuela Profesional de Artes Plásticas in Las Tunas.
- Member of the Hermanos Saíz Association (AHS)
- Member of the Union of Writers and Artists (UNEAC)
- Served as specialist and curator at Fayad Jamís 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.

Collective Exhibitions and Events

· 2024

· 2023 Here We Are. Collective Exhibition. Fayad Jamís Gallery. Fbc. Las Tunas. December.

2023 Small-format 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 Guillén Foundation. Las Tunas. September.

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

2022 First Salon of Abstract Art Díaz Peláez. Belkis Ayón Gallery. Vedado. Havana. September.
2022 Collective Exhibition. Shoot to Kill. 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. Center for Development of Visual Arts. Las Tunas. Result of the 5th Abstract Art Workshop. Proyecto La Cruzada. May.
2022 Mayo Abstracto V Taller. La Cruzada. UNEAC Gallery. Las Tunas. May
2022 Solo usted y la luna. Collective Exhibition. Nicolás Guillén 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 Return to Light. Tribute to the Master. Collective Exhibition. UNEAC Gallery. Las Tunas. January

2021 UNEAC Salon. UNEAC Gallery. Las Tunas. November.

2021 Collective Exhibition Todas las Manos. 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 2020 Salon. For Cuban Culture Day. Provincial Gallery of Plastic Arts. Las Tunas. October.
2020 Collective Exhibition Mujer-Luz. 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. Proyecto La Cruzada. Provincial Arts Center 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 Hall. UNEAC. Holguín. November.
2018 UNEAC Salon. Sparks 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. Provincial UNEAC Committee. Santiago de Cuba. May.
2018 Abstract Art (May Abstract) Proyecto La Cruzada. Fayad Jamís Gallery. Collective Expo. Las Tunas.
2018 The Plastic in April Salon. Provincial Arts Council Las Tunas. April.
2018 Digital Art Salon. Dedicated to the 30th edition of the Provincial Plastic Arts 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 Abstracts. Proyecto La Cruzada. 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 project La Cruzada, Lario Gallery, Camaguey.
2017 Tribute, UNEAC Gallery, Las Tunas.
2017 Contemporary Cuban Artists, Rocca Aldobrandesca-Piacastagnaio.Italia
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 Expo Guernica Gallery Las Tunas.
2016 30th Anniversary Salon. Guernica Gallery Las Tunas.
2016 Immersion III xilography. 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 Project LA CRUZADA. UNEAC, Las Tunas.
2014 Exhibition for the 45th anniversary of artistic teaching 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 UNEAC’s 50th Anniversary. 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 Oriente Salon, Emilio Bacardí Museum, Santiago de Cuba.
2009 Summer Salon UNEAC, Las Tunas.
2008 II Erotic Art Salon (With a slight grace of nudity). UNEAC, Las Tunas.
2008 I Oriente 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 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 Exhibition of Abstract Art “LA CRUZADA” carried from Cultural Huellas.
2006 UNEAC Salon Las Tunas.
2006 Exhibition of Tunero artists in Germany.
2006 Collective Exhibition for UNEAC entry “UNEAC de Las Tunas.”
2006 Collective Exhibition “My City” for the 210th anniversary of Las Tunas.
2006 Exhibition “Artists of the Cultural Heritage Fund” Fayad Jamís Gallery.
2006 UN EAC week art collective exhibition in Las Tunas.
2006 UNEAC Salon Las Tunas.
2006 Collective exhibition of abstract art, Havana.
2006 Fourth Abstract Art Event “La Cruzada” Holguín Art Center
2006 Prize Salon of 2005
2006 Third Abstract Art Event ‘La Cruzada’ UNEAC Guantánamo
2006 I Abstract Art Workshop ‘Spiritual 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 Prize Salon.
2003 Lucilo León Águila Salon.
2003 Carlos Enríquez Salon.
2002 UNEAC Salon.
2002 Fayad Jamís Salon.
2001 Plastic in April Salon (Provincial culture prize).
2000 Youth City Salon “Guernica.”
2000 XVII Salon “Plastic in April.”
2000 Retrospective of Tunero plastic.
2000 Sculptural Fountain 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 Salon.
1999 Youth City Salon “Guernica.”
1999 XVI Salon plastic in April.
1999 Tunero artists exhibit in Moa.
1999 Ecological Art Event.
1998 XV Salon plastic in April.
1998 Tenth mural Salon.
1998 Tunera Plastic.
1998 Young Print Salon.
1998 AHS exhibits “Convenient Space.”
1998 Youth Salon “Guernica.”
1998 V Territorial Salon José A. Díaz Peláez.
1998 VIII José Martínez Ochoa Salon.
1997 VII José Martínez Ochoa Salon.
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 of the Professional School of Plastic Arts.

Awards and Honors

2011 Prize at the 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 for Sculptural Fountain 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 at the Youth Salon of the city “Guernica.”
1998 Mention, V Territorial Salon José A. Díaz Peláez.
1998 Prize VIII José Martínez Ochoa Salon.
1997 Mention, VII José Martínez Ochoa.

Personal and Biographical Exhibitions

2017 Miniatures. Museum of the Constitution. Guáimaro. Camagüey.
2006 Bipersonal Exhibition “Civilian 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 Do Not Take Responsibility” with Leosvanis Mayo.
1998 Bipersonal Exhibition (Mundos) with Ángel Peña.
1998 Personal Exhibition “Piety Is Called Dalila.”
1997 Personal Exhibition “Friezes of Life.”
1997 Personal Exhibition in ISPJAE, Havana.
1997 Personal Exhibition at the Puerto Padre Museum.
2017 Creates the Sprouts workshop of the cucalambé at Martíres del 28 de December school
2015 Interview for Radio Victoria, Las Tunas
2015 Interview for Tunas Visión Cultural News.
2015 Participates as Producer with plastic artist Yamila Comas Vargas in a ceramic mural for the municipality of Jobabo, Las Tunas.
2013 Lecture at the first abstract art workshop. UNEAC, Las Tunas.
2013 His work is part of the collection at MarimbartGallery Quebec, Canada
2013 Serves as jury 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 elementary school “Toma de Las Tunas,” Tunas municipality.
2003 Participates as producer with Yamila Coma Vargas and Jesús Vega Faura in two monumental sculptures at the elementary school “Marcelo Salado,” Colombia municipality.
2002 Participates as producer with Yamila Coma Vargas and Jesús Vega Faura in three pictorial murals at the elementary school “Jesús Argüelles,” Tunas municipality.
2001 Participates as jury member in the municipal salon “Carlos Enríquez” in Amancio Rodríguez
1999 Interview for the program “Quehacer” Tunas Vision
1999 Serves as jury in the 9th José Martínez 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 Sanlope Verlag 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 in private collections in Cuba, USA, Spain, Norway, Italy, England, Puerto Rico, and France.