Roberto Fabelo – His Life
Renowned for his technical brilliance and boundless imagination, Roberto Fabelo is one of Cuba’s most celebrated contemporary artists. Born on January 28, 1950, in Guáimaro, Cuba, Fabelo’s passion for art emerged in childhood, where his “graphomania” turned scraps of paper into imaginative sketches. Over time, this creative obsession evolved into a profound artistic career spanning painting, sculpture, engraving, and illustration.
A graduate of Cuba’s National School of Art (1972) and the Higher Institute of Art (1981), Fabelo’s contributions to visual arts have earned him international acclaim. He has exhibited extensively across Cuba and globally, with his works featured in institutions like Havana’s National Museum of Fine Arts, Florence’s Galleria Degli Uffizi, and London’s International Drawing Biennial. His art blends meticulous detail with surreal, dreamlike imagery, often exploring themes of identity, nature, and the human condition through fantastical creatures and allegorical narratives.
Fabelo has received numerous prestigious awards, including the National Prize for Plastic Arts (2004) and the UNESCO Prize for the Promotion of Plastic Arts (1996). His drawings, sculptures, and illustrations have become highly sought after in the art market, known for their rarity and symbolic depth.
In recent years, Fabelo’s monumental installations have garnered widespread attention. His life-sized rhinoceros sculptures highlight the urgency of environmental conservation, symbolizing the fragile balance between humanity and nature. These works were prominently featured in exhibitions such as Saragossa’s Plaza del Pilar and the Kennedy Center’s Artes de Cuba.
Fabelo’s art has also been placed in dialogue with historic masters. The 2023 exhibition MUNDOS: GOYA Y FABELO at Madrid’s Conde Duque Cultural Center juxtaposed his works with Goya’s engravings, underscoring their shared fascination with imagination and the human psyche.
Beyond his art, Fabelo has mentored young artists, promoted Cuban cultural heritage, and participated in conservation efforts. His captivating, thought-provoking creations ensure his legacy as one of the most influential figures in Cuban and global contemporary art.
Some of Fabelo’s rare works are available for collectors—an extraordinary opportunity to own a piece of this visionary artist’s oeuvre.
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