José Bedia is a renowned Cuban-born contemporary artist known for his deeply spiritual and symbolic works. Born in 1959 in Havana, Bedia emerged as a prominent figure of the 1980s generation of Cuban artists. His art is heavily influenced by Afro-Cuban religions, indigenous cultures, and his travels, which have taken him across Africa, Latin America, and the United States.
Key Features of His Work: Bedia explores themes of spirituality, cultural identity, mysticism, and humanity’s connection to nature and ancestral traditions.
Style: His work often features minimalist, yet powerful, line drawings combined with text and symbolism. His imagery frequently incorporates animals, ritualistic scenes, and spiritual motifs.
Influences: He draws inspiration from Afro-Cuban Santería, Palo Monte, Native American cultures, and African tribal art, blending them with modernist techniques.
Notable Achievements:
Bedia’s work has been featured in major international exhibitions, including the Havana Biennial, Venice Biennale, and São Paulo Biennial.
He was part of the landmark exhibition “Magiciens de la Terre” at the Centre Pompidou in Paris in 1989.
His art is part of prestigious collections, including the Whitney Museum of American Art, the Guggenheim Museum, and the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) Most recently, Jose is the recipient of the 2025 Michael Richards Award, one of Miami’s highest honors for visual artists.
