About Jhon Cuesta Salas

Jhon Cuesta is considered one of the Chocoan artists with an important projection in his artistic career in the international art world, for which his works have become recognized and exhibited in important galleries in New York City such as Amsterdam Whitney INC. and Meisner Art Gallery. He was born in Quibdó-Colombia in 1981. In 1994 he painted his first landscapes. He began his formal artistic training in the specialty of Plastic Arts, at the Auxiliary Center for Teaching Services (CASD) in 1997, in the City of Quibdò. In 1999 he attended the Faculty of Interior and Environment Design at the Corporación Escuela de Artes y Letras (EAL) 2007 in the City of Bogotá.

In 2017 he traveled to New York City in order to make himself known, position his work, and establish himself among the greatest artists internationally. He found his residence in said city that continues to this day. In 2018 he gained recognition with his dramatic images of abstract expressionist compositions of his critical and satirical work based on Socio-political narratives that capture the complexity of survival and daily living in his culture. For almost 10 years he continued to meticulously explore this controversial style.

But in mid-2019, the artist changed his criticism because he knew the love of God and understood that this is the best abstract language that a human being should use. As a result of this profound experience, Cuesta changed the internal focus of his gaze and the eyes of the soul full of pain to a more joyful work full of life and love, of traditional, figurative, folklore compositions and abstract three-dimensional structures with deep message. Jhon Cuesta has participated in important individual and group exhibitions.

 

About John Cuesta Salas

Jhon Cuesta is considered one of the Chocoan artists with an important projection in his artistic career in the international art world, for which his works have become recognized and exhibited in important galleries in New York City such as Amsterdam Whitney INC. and Meisner Art Gallery. He was born in Quibdó-Colombia in 1981. In 1994 he painted his first landscapes. He began his formal artistic training in the specialty of Plastic Arts, at the Auxiliary Center for Teaching Services (CASD) in 1997, in the City of Quibdò. In 1999 he attended the Faculty of Interior and Environment Design at the Corporación Escuela de Artes y Letras (EAL) 2007 in the City of Bogotá.

In 2017 he traveled to New York City in order to make himself known, position his work, and establish himself among the greatest artists internationally. He found his residence in said city that continues to this day. In 2018 he gained recognition with his dramatic images of abstract expressionist compositions of his critical and satirical work based on Socio-political narratives that capture the complexity of survival and daily living in his culture. For almost 10 years he continued to meticulously explore this controversial style.

But in mid-2019, the artist changed his criticism because he knew the love of God and understood that this is the best abstract language that a human being should use. As a result of this profound experience, Cuesta changed the internal focus of his gaze and the eyes of the soul full of pain to a more joyful work full of life and love, of traditional, figurative, folklore compositions and abstract three-dimensional structures with deep message. Jhon Cuesta has participated in important individual and group exhibitions.

 
 
 
 

Celebrating my first individual exhibition “Nesi-Persistencia” at the Klan-Destino Bogota art gallery.

Studies

1997 Plastic Arts Specialty, Auxiliary Center for Teaching Services (CASD) City of Quibdó. 2007 Faculty of Fine Arts Corporation School of Arts and Letters (EAL) in the City of Bogotá, interior design and environments.

Acknowledgments

2016 Special guest and recognition at the awards gala for the 50 most influential Latinos in the entire Philadelphia region 2016. Sponsored by IMPACTO Latin Newspaper, in Philadelphia USA. 2015 Recognition exhibition Customizing in Postmodernity Congress of the Republic of Colombia by the distinguished Representative for the Department of Chocó Carlos Alberto Escobar, in the City of Bogotá. 2013 Special guest and recognition for (Revaluation and strengthening of artistic processes). First Festival of Meetings of Afro-Colombian Ancestral Wisdom | Body and Mind Corporation | Auditorium General Archive of the Nation, Bogotá Colombia.

Celebrating my first individual exhibition “Nesi-Persistencia” at the Klan-Destino Bogota art gallery.

Studies

1997 Plastic Arts Specialty, Auxiliary Center for Teaching Services (CASD) City of Quibdó. 2007 Faculty of Fine Arts Corporation School of Arts and Letters (EAL) in the City of Bogotá, interior design and environments.

Acknowledgments

2016 Special guest and recognition at the awards gala for the 50 most influential Latinos in the entire Philadelphia region 2016. Sponsored by IMPACTO Latin Newspaper, in Philadelphia USA. 2015 Recognition exhibition Customizing in Postmodernity Congress of the Republic of Colombia by the distinguished Representative for the Department of Chocó Carlos Alberto Escobar, in the City of Bogotá. 2013 Special guest and recognition for (Revaluation and strengthening of artistic processes). First Festival of Meetings of Afro-Colombian Ancestral Wisdom | Body and Mind Corporation | Auditorium General Archive of the Nation, Bogotá Colombia.

Painting live “artist in residence” in the clause of the Nesi-Persistencia exhibition, at the Klan-Destino art gallery, Bogotá-Colombia.

Artist Statement

“My work reflects a deep connection with my surroundings and cultural roots in Chocó and the Colombian Pacific. Through a wide variety of artistic techniques, from spatula work to collage and grattage, I demonstrate a notable creative versatility.

What stands out most in my work is how I merge elements of reality with imagination, creating compositions that defy expectations and open up new avenues of interpretation. This ability to transcend the conventional and explore new forms of artistic expression is a distinctive feature of my creative practice.

Additionally, my choice of color palette is captivating, especially the use of yellow to evoke the warmth of the people and the stunning sunsets of the Colombian Pacific. This combination of vibrant colors and subtle tones adds emotional depth to my work, eliciting a visceral response from the viewer.

In summary, my work is a fascinating exploration of cultural identity, human experience, and creative imagination. Through my innovative approach and technical skill, I am able to convey powerful and thought-provoking messages that invite deeper reflection on the world around us.”

Artist Statement

“My work reflects a deep connection with my surroundings and cultural roots in Chocó and the Colombian Pacific. Through a wide variety of artistic techniques, from spatula work to collage and grattage, I demonstrate a notable creative versatility.

What stands out most in my work is how I merge elements of reality with imagination, creating compositions that defy expectations and open up new avenues of interpretation. This ability to transcend the conventional and explore new forms of artistic expression is a distinctive feature of my creative practice.

Additionally, my choice of color palette is captivating, especially the use of yellow to evoke the warmth of the people and the stunning sunsets of the Colombian Pacific. This combination of vibrant colors and subtle tones adds emotional depth to my work, eliciting a visceral response from the viewer.

In summary, my work is a fascinating exploration of cultural identity, human experience, and creative imagination. Through my innovative approach and technical skill, I am able to convey powerful and thought-provoking messages that invite deeper reflection on the world around us.”

Painting live “artist in residence” in the clause of the NESI-PERSISTENCIA exhibition, at the Klan-Destino art gallery, Bogotá-Colombia.

Celebrating my First Individual Exhibition “NESI-PERSISTENCIA”

About John Cuesta Salas

 

Jhon Cuesta is considered one of the Chocoan artists with an important projection in his artistic career in the international art world, for which his works have become recognized and exhibited in important galleries in New York City such as Amsterdam Whitney INC. and Meisner Art Gallery. He was born in Quibdó-Colombia in 1981. In 1994 he painted his first landscapes. He began his formal artistic training in the specialty of Plastic Arts, at the Auxiliary Center for Teaching Services (CASD) in 1997, in the City of Quibdò. In 1999 he attended the Faculty of Interior and Environment Design at the Corporación Escuela de Artes y Letras (EAL) 2007 in the City of Bogotá.

In 2017 he traveled to New York City in order to make himself known, position his work, and establish himself among the greatest artists internationally. He found his residence in said city that continues to this day. In 2018 he gained recognition with his dramatic images of abstract expressionist compositions of his critical and satirical work based on Socio-political narratives that capture the complexity of survival and daily living in his culture. For almost 10 years he continued to meticulously explore this controversial style.

But in mid-2019, the artist changed his criticism because he knew the love of God and understood that this is the best abstract language that a human being should use. As a result of this profound experience, Cuesta changed the internal focus of his gaze and the eyes of the soul full of pain to a more joyful work full of life and love, of traditional, figurative, folklore compositions and abstract three-dimensional structures with deep message. Jhon Cuesta has participated in important individual and group exhibitions.

 
 
 


Studies

1997 Plastic Arts Specialty, Auxiliary Center for Teaching Services (CASD) City of Quibdó. 2007 Faculty of Fine Arts Corporation School of Arts and Letters (EAL) in the City of Bogotá, interior design and environments.

Exhibition Photos Gallery

Jhon Familiares and his Friends

Exhibition Photos Gallery

Memorable Moments from Some Exhibitions

Amsterdam Whitney Art Gallery | Clesea, New York
Amsterdam Whitney Art Gallery | Clesea, New York
Amsterdam Whitney Art Gallery | Clesea, New York
Klan-Destino Art Gallery | Bogotá Colombia
Amsterdam Whitney Art Gallery | Clesea, New York
Klan-Destino Art Gallery | Bogotá Colombia
Klan-Destino Art Gallery | Bogotá Colombia
Reception Klan-Destino Art Gallery | Bogotá Colombia
Klan-Destino Art Gallery | Bogotá Colombia
Amsterdam Whitney Art Gallery | Clesea, New York
Amsterdam Whitney Art Gallery | Clesea, New York
Artist in Residence Klan-Destino Art Gallery | Bogotá Colombia
Amsterdam Whitney Art Gallery NY.
Klan-Destino Art Gallery | Bogotá
Klan-Destino Art Gallery
Reception Klan-Destino Art Gallery
Klan-Destino Art Gallery
Amsterdam Whitney Art Gallery NY.
Amsterdam Whitney Art Gallery NY.
Artist in Residence Klan-Destino Art Gallery

Exhibition Photos Gallery

Jhon Familiares and his Friends

Exhibitions

Selection of Solo Exhibitions

 

2014 INTOXIKEMIA | Klandestino Gallery Bogota – Colombia 2013 FIRST FESTIVAL OF AFRO-COLOMBIAN ANCESTRAL WISDOM ENCOUNTERS | Auditorium General Archive of the Nation / Bogotá – Colombia 2012 ART FORMS | Casa Brava Restaurant Gallery, La Calera/ Bogotá – Colombia 2011 NESI-PERSISTENCE | Klandestino Gallery, Bogota – Colombia

 

 

Selection of Collective Exhibitions

2017 NEW YORK ART FAIR | House Meisner Art Gallery, New York – USA 2015 MYSTIQUE of the MINDSCAPE EXHIBITION | AMSTERDAM WHITNEY INC Art Gallery, New York – USA 2012 CUSTOMING IN POSTMODERNITY | Naval Museum of the Caribbean, Cartagena – Colombia 2012 CHOCOAN ART FORMS | Congress of the Republic of Colombia, Bogota – Colombia 2010 AUCTION OF AUCTIONS | Hotel Bogota Plaza, Bogota – Colombia

Exhibitions

Selection of Solo Exhibitions

 

2014 INTOXIKEMIA | Klandestino Gallery Bogota – Colombia 2013 FIRST FESTIVAL OF AFRO-COLOMBIAN ANCESTRAL WISDOM ENCOUNTERS | Auditorium General Archive of the Nation / Bogotá – Colombia 2012 ART FORMS | Casa Brava Restaurant Gallery, La Calera/ Bogotá – Colombia 2011 NESI-PERSISTENCE | Klandestino Gallery, Bogota – Colombia

 

 

Selection of Collective Exhibitions

2017 NEW YORK ART FAIR | House Meisner Art Gallery, New York – USA 2015 MYSTIQUE of the MINDSCAPE EXHIBITION | AMSTERDAM WHITNEY INC Art Gallery, New York – USA 2012 CUSTOMING IN POSTMODERNITY | Naval Museum of the Caribbean, Cartagena – Colombia 2012 CHOCOAN ART FORMS | Congress of the Republic of Colombia, Bogota – Colombia 2010 AUCTION OF AUCTIONS | Hotel Bogota Plaza, Bogota – Colombia

Exhibitions

Selection of Solo Exhibitions

 

2014 INTOXIKEMIA | Klandestino Gallery Bogota – Colombia 2013 FIRST FESTIVAL OF AFRO-COLOMBIAN ANCESTRAL WISDOM ENCOUNTERS | Auditorium General Archive of the Nation / Bogotá – Colombia 2012 ART FORMS | Casa Brava Restaurant Gallery, La Calera/ Bogotá – Colombia 2011 NESI-PERSISTENCE | Klandestino Gallery, Bogota – Colombia

 

 

Selection of Collective Exhibitions

Selection of Collective Exhibitions

2017 New York Art Fair | House Meisner Art Gallery, New York – USA 2015 Mystique of the Mindscape Exhibition | Amsterdak Whitney INC. Art Gallery, New York – USA 2012 Customing in Postmodernity | Naval Museum of the Caribbean, Cartagena – Colombia 2012 Chocoan Art Forms | Congress of the Republic of Colombia, Bogota – Colombia 2010 Aution of Autions | Hotel Bogota Plaza, Bogota – Colombia