Jesús Alberto Mederos

The work of Jesús Alberto Mederos is born out of a passion for his city, a love of art and most importantly a dedication to helping others. “All of us live on the planet. We all live in the same house. That is why [giving back] is important” says Mederos.

Instilled with a love of art from a young age by his mother and grandmother, both art teachers, Mederos developed his own style while attending the La Escuela National de Arte (The National Art School) in Havana, Cuba before winning a scholarship to study in Paris. Time spent abroad working with other artists in France, Italy and Belgium helped Mederos cultivate a style that he refers to as “magic realism”.

Through his work he has received many accolades including the FIART Award in 1993, Second Place Illustration for his piece "Tenth Mural” by the Naborí House Provincial Festival of Peasant Traditions in 1999, and the prestigious United Nations Award for his piece “Aun Estamos a Tiempo” (We Still Have Time) in 1999.

After returning to Cuba, Mederos started contributing his signature style to his hometown of Matanzas; embellishing and reflecting on the vibrant city known fondly as “The Athens of Cuba”. Exploring Matanzas reveals a gallery tour of Mederosʼ affection for the city and his commitment to its heritage. The art that adorns Matanzas serves as an open letter between Mederos and the community. "If I have done it in other countries, why canʼt I do it in my own? That for me, is the base for everything” says Mederos.

The desire to help others has always been a common thread in Mederosʼ career. Each week Mederos hosts three projects at his studio that combine his passion for art and philanthropy. In each project, Mederos uses art as a way to help kids and adults connect on a deeper level with the world and give them a new way to express themselves.

“Itʼs a dream made reality. To work with physically disabled kids, with kids that have cancer, with kids that have (mild) down syndrome, with kids who also have issues with disruptive conduct... to mold, shape, train and integrate them into society...so they can do something beautiful with their lives” says Mederos.

While Mederos continues to put his local community first, he also finds outlets for his philanthropy in Central and South America where he fosters various projects that connect youth with the power of art. When asked about his vision for these projects in the future Mederos says simply “I want to tattoo Matanza with the artwork of all these children”.

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