Roberto Fabelo

ROBERTO FABELO (Camagüey, Cuba, 1950).
Untitled, 1989.
Ink drawing on paper.
Provenance: acquired directly from the artist.
Signed and dated in the lower right corner.
Measurements: 12.5 x 9 cm; 29 x 25 cm (frame).

Although it could be a sketch or visual note for a definitive work on canvas, in this drawing Roberto Fabelo continues his peculiar artistic imaginary. Thus, Fabelo uses elements of expressionism and surrealism in his work, simultaneously basing his images on the question of the division between fantasy and reality. His most recent works in drawing, watercolor, oil, and installation focus on the human condition, incorporating distorted human and animal figures into fantastic tableaux and scenarios.

A painter, sculptor, draftsman and illustrator, Roberto Fabelo studied at the National School of Art and the Higher Institute of Art in Havana. Throughout his career as an artist, he has received numerous awards for his art, including the Medallion of National Culture (Cuba), the Alejo Carpentier Medallion, first place in the 11th International Biennial of Drawing in the United Kingdom, first place in the First Ibero-American Biennial of Watercolor in Viña del Mar, Chile and a UNESCO award for the promotion of Fine Arts. In 1984 Fabelo was recognized at the first Havana Biennial. His work has been shown in over 40 solo exhibitions and more than 500 group exhibitions in countries such as Switzerland, Japan, the United States, Mexico, Venezuela, Colombia, Panama, Argentina, Chile, Brazil, Costa Rica, and Ecuador. The work presented here continues Fabelo's own style, based on an absurd yet vindictive humor.