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 aim to describe a season, but to translate the energy of its eruption through a gestural pictorial language, where color takes on a structural and expressive role above any figurative reference.

The composition is built on a constant tension between intensely saturated chromatic masses and broad, free-whand brushstrokes. The blazing reds, electric blues, acid greens, and luminous yellows do not follow a naturalist logic, but an carefully orchestrated balance that turns apparent chaos into a visually cohesive architecture.

One of the most significant elements of the work is the large white gesture that crosses the canvas diagonally. More than a simple compositional resource, it functions as a dynamic axis that organizes the pictorial space and channels 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 rhythm of enormous intensity.

Far from purely formalist abstraction, Mayo maintains a delicate balance between spontaneity and control. Each layer of overlapping, each transparency and each black stroke introduce visual pauses that prevent the chromatic saturation from becoming strident. There is a clear awareness of the weight of each color within the plane and a notable sensitivity to the relationships between void and matter.

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

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

Rather than representing spring, José Manuel Mayo proposes to experience it. The canvas becomes a territory where color germinates, expands, and conflicts with itself until it reaches a vibrant balance, 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 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 served as a specialist and curator at the Fayad Jamis and Guernica galleries in Las Tunas
- Joined art education 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.

Exhibitions, Collective Shows, and Events

· 2024
· 2023 Here We Are. Collective Exhibition. Fayad Jamis 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 to this world. Gallery. Nicolás Guillén Jungle Foundation. Las Tunas. September.
2023 Salon. Plastic in April. Gallery 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 Abstract Painting Workshop. La Cruzada. UNEAC. Las Tunas. May.
2022 Collective Exhibition. Center for Development of Visual Arts. Las Tunas. Outcome of the 5th Abstract Art Workshop. Project La Cruzada. May.
2022 Mayo Abstracto Workshop La Cruzada. UNEAC Gallery. Las Tunas. May
2022 Solo you and the moon. Collective Exhibition. Nicolás Guillén Foundation Gallery 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. Honoring 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 Homage to Pedro de Oraá. Mayo Abstracto. UNEAC Gallery. Las Tunas. May.
2020 UNEAC Salon 2020. For Cuba’s Culture Day. Provincial Gallery of Plastic Arts. Las Tunas. October.
2020 Collective Exhibition Woman-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. In homage to Cuban culture day. UNEAC Gallery. Las Tunas. October.
2019 National Meeting of Abstract Art. Imán IV. Collage Gallery Havana. August. Havana.
2019 Abstract Confluence. Collective Exhibition. IV Abstract Art Workshop. Project La Cruzada. Provincial Arts Center 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 Hall. 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. Provincial UNEAC Committee. Santiago de Cuba. May.
2018 Abstract Art (May in Abstract) La Cruzada Project. Fayad Jamís Gallery. Collective Expo. Las Tunas.
2018 Spring: The Plastic in April Salon. Provincial Arts Council. Las Tunas. April.
2018 Digital Art Salon. Dedicating 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 Cruzada. March–April. Las Tunas.
2018 Abstract Art Salon. Expressive Abstracts. Project La Cruzada. UNEAC Gallery. March. Las Tunas.
2018 On Purple. Erotic Art Salon. UNEAC Provincial Committee Gallery. February–March. Las Tunas.
2017 Winter Salon, Fayad Jamís Gallery. Las Tunas.
2017 Iman II project La Cruzada, Lario Gallery, Camagüey.
2017 Homage, UNEAC Gallery, Las Tunas.
2017 Cuban Contemporary Artists, Rocca Aldobrandesca-Piancastagnaio. Italy
2017 Iman 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 Collective Exhibition Tuna Brava Guernica Gallery Las Tunas.
2016 30th Anniversary Salon. Guernica Gallery Las Tunas.
2016 Immersion III Xylography. 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 LA CRUZADA. UNEAC, Las Tunas.
2014 Collective Exhibition for the 45th anniversary of art education in Las Tunas. Provincial Center of Plastic Arts. Las Tunas
2013 Collective exhibition of abstract painting LA CRUZADA. Provincial Center of Plastic Arts. Las Tunas.
2012 Spring Plastic 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 Homage. Provincial Museum. Las Tunas.
2011 Expo “4x4” Jungle Gallery, Huellas Cultural Center, Las Tunas.
2011 Retrospective Graduates of the Las Tunas Art School, Las Tunas Theatre
2010 II Eastern Salon, Emilio Bacardí Museum, Santiago de Cuba.
2009 Summer Salon UNEAC, Las Tunas.
2008 II Erotic Art Salon (with a gentle grace of 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 Arte Cuba Exhibition, Valencia, Spain.
2007 Cuban Art Exhibition, Italy.
2007 Drammen and Cuba Exhibition, Drammen Theater, Norway.
2007 I Erotic Art Salon UNEAC, Las Tunas.
2007 Collective Exhibition of Abstract Art LA CRUZADA (from Huellas cultural project)
2006 UNEAC Salon of Las Tunas.
2006 Exhibition of Tunero artists in Germany.
2006 Collective Exhibition for UNEAC admission “UNEAC of Las Tunas.”
2006 Collective Exhibition “My City” for the city’s 210th anniversary.
2006 Exhibition Artists of the Cultural Heritage Fund Fayad Jamís Gallery.
2006 UNEAC week in Las Tunas. Collective exhibition of UNEAC members.
2006 UNEAC Salon of 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 ‘Abstract Spirit’ Sancti Spíritus
2005 Miniature Salon.
2005 Salon “Plastic in April.”
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 Prize Salon of 2003.
2003 Salon “Lucilo León Águila.”
2003 Salon “Carlos Enríquez.”
2002 UNEAC Salon.
2002 “Fayad Jamís” Salon.
2001 Plastic Salon in April (Provincial culture prize).
2000 Young City Salon “Guernica.”
2000 XVII Salon “Plastic in April.”
2000 Retrospective of Tunero 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 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 Stamp Artist Salon.
1998 A.H.S exhibits “Convenient Space.”
1998 Young City Salon “Guernica.”
1998 V Territorial Salon José A. Díaz Peláez.
1998 VIII Salon José Martínez Ochoa.
1997 VII José Martínez 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 Award at the Salon “Plastic in April” Las Tunas.
2005 II UNEAC Salon Award.
2003 III Award “Carlos Enríquez” Salon
2001 Plastic Salon in April (Provincial culture prize).
2000 Special Mention for 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 at the Young City Salon “Guernica.”
1998 Mention, V Territorial Salon José A. Díaz Peláez.
1998 VIII José Martínez Ochoa Salon Prize.
1997 Mention, VII José Martínez Ochoa.

Solo and Biographical Exhibitions

2017 Miniatures. Constitution Museum. Guáimaro. Camagüey.
2006 Bipersonal Exhibition “Citadin 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 named Delilah.”
1997 Personal Exhibition “Friezes of Life.”
1997 Personal Exhibition ISPJAE, Havana.
1997 Personal exhibition at the Puerto Padre Museum.
2017 Created the sprout workshop for cucalambé at the Martyrs of December 28 School
2015 Interview for Radio Victoria, Las Tunas
2015 Interview for Tunas Vision Cultural News.
2015 Participates as Producer with painter Yamila Comas Vargas in a ceramic mural for the municipality of Jobabo, Las Tunas.
2013 Talk 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 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 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 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 Vision
1999 Serves as jury in the 9th José Martines Ochoa Salon
1998 Interview for Radio Victoria, Las Tunas
He has illustrated poems and décimas for several Las Tunas writers, works published by the Sanlope publishing house in Las Tunas
- 2000 “Cánticas de escarnio” by Osmani Eduardo
- 2000 “Shadows” by Frank Castel
- 1998 “Piety is named Delilah” by Julio A Molinet
His work is in private collections in Cuba, USA, Spain, Norway, Italy, England, Puerto Rico, and France.