Polyhedral II

About the artist:

Camilo Villalvilla Soto (Camilo Salvador Diaz de Villalvilla Soto) (B. 1976, Cienfuegos, Cuba) The Artist explores socio-political concepts such as the contradictions of contemporary society, focusing on the political polarization, science and religions, and power relations. He considers that have never stopped being an architect; instead of buildings, today, he designs those ideas and dreams dwelling in his mind. 

Camilo Villalvilla Soto graduated from Architecture at the UCLV (Las Villas Central University), Santa Clara, Cuba in 1998. Solo exhibitions of his work have been organized at Galerie Vitrine, Luzern, Switzerland (2021); Galería Mateo Torriente Uneac, Cuba (2018, 2008, 2006); The Cuban Art Space, NY, USA (2010); Foster Gallery, Boston (MA) USA (2010). His work has been included in numerous group exhibitions like; 12, 13 y 14 Havana Biennial, Habana, Cuba (2015, 2019, 2021);  1ra BIENAL DE DIBUJO DE LAS AMÉRICAS, Tijuana, México (2006); Cuban art Space, NY, USA (2021-2009); Kunsthaus Fischer-Galerie Harlekin, Luzern, Switzerland (2019); Galería Arche, Uneac Santa Clara, Cuba (20019); BILHAUS ARTS, San Antonio, Tx, USA (2017) Galerie Vitrine, Luzern, Switzerland (2017); SQUIRREL HOUSE, Minneapolis, MN, USA (2017); (FAC) Fábrica de Arte Cubano, La Habana, (2016, 2019) CENTRO DE ARTE CONTEMPORANEO WIFREDO LAM, La Habana, Cuba (2016); THE 8TH FLOOR Gallery, N.Y, U.S.A (2013);  BRONX MUSEUM of the ARTS. New York, USA (2012). The artist has received honors and distinctions, including the Full fellowship residency of Vermont Studio residency (2017) Prize, XIII Salón “Mateo Torriente” de la UNEAC, Cuba (2018); Recognition “VISUARTE 2009”, Cuba (2009); Emeritus Artist 1ra BIENAL DE DIBUJO DE LAS AMÉRICAS, Tijuana, México (2006).

Artist Statement

The clear influence of design in my recent work is not only a consequence of my architectural training. It is also the result of the graphic design work I did for more than a decade as a Publisher; these two situations significantly affect my artistic projections. In recent years, after noticing the evident design perspective of my work, I decided to focus on sculpture and concentrate the production of 2D works as a support, with the drawing in a fundamental role, as a sketch, and as a piece in itself.

I was born on a geographic and political island, in a controlled society, apparently stagnant in the 60s, where the “cold war” remains “hot” and the implausible is an everyday thing. Those stigmas are reflected in my art. I am interested in moving ideas, disturbing viewers, and making them participate in possible interpretations. I am also interested in the autonomy of images, the importance of education, the relationship of opposites, and the complexity of communication. Lately, I’ve been obsessed with the geometry of nature.

This exhibition is courtesy of the artist and co-sponsored by the modern language department.