“First I’m Black and after that I’m many things.” ~Erik Olivera Rubio
Afro-Cuban portrait artist Erik Olivera Rubio is known for his unique style of portraiture, and for focusing his art on the African experience in the Diaspora. Born in Havana, on December 9, 1973, the artist grew up surrounded by the spiritual faith of the Yoruba people, known as Lucumi or Santeria. Rubio is a “Babalawo,” or priest, in this spirituality and uses his art to communicate the Ifa religious feelings in Cuba. The “Los Orichas” series has earned Rubio world-wide attention since he started showing some of them in 2007.
Rubio, a graduate of San Alejandro Academy of Fine Arts, Havana, has exhibited in the USA, London, Italy, France, and throughout Havana, Cuba. “His mastery of drawing and painting demonstrates his powerful imagery, absolute command of portraiture and dazzling technical virtuosity that imbues all his works with a staggering force.”
Rubio sees his work as a mission to humanize the Orisha and present them in an accessible way. After all, he says, the Orisha are elevated ancestors who really did exist.
Meserette Kentake, founder of Kentake Page, was born and raised in Kingston, Jamaica, and is of Yoruba descent (mtDNA). Now based in London, she holds a BSc in Counselling Psychology but is most passionate about Afrikan/Black history—especially the Maafa. She earned a post-graduate certificate in African History after her MA program was suspended just before completion. Undeterred, Meserette continues her independent scholarship and is working on a debut book about the Maafa. For enquiries, contact Meserette at meserette@kentakepage.com.
2 Responses
Good post! Thanks for the information!
This imagery, is powerful! they are great art works! God bless the black all over the world!