Traveling through time
with Carlos Mateu

Carlos Mateu’s paintings blend realist precision with the structural fragmentation of Cubism to present a vivid, dreamlike interpretation of the world. Through bold color palettes, strong contrasts, and dynamic shifts in perspective, Mateu accentuates the three-dimensionality of his subjects. His technique involves layering acrylic paint in a silkscreen-like process to achieve crisp, defined forms, which he enriches with the textured depth of oil pastels.

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Visually dense and symbolically layered, his compositions weave together figuration, natural elements, and geometric abstraction. The result is a fantastical, often mystical atmosphere—one shaped by the artist’s personal history, memories of Cuba, experiences in the United States, and the enduring influence of Afro-Cuban culture and spiritual traditions. 

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A graduate of the National Academy of Fine Arts in Havana, Mateu also studied art education through the Joan Mitchell Foundation. His work has been exhibited widely in galleries and museums across the United States and Italy, and featured in numerous art publications. In addition to his studio practice, he is dedicated to teaching both visual art and traditional Cuban dance, further extending his commitment to cultural expression and education.