Fragments od Soul 40 (2023) Painting by Vladimir Castillo Gamboa

Vladimir Castillo Gamboa is a contemporary Cuban painter based in Serbia. Born and raised in Havana, Cuba, Vladimir's artistic inclinations emerged early in life. At the age of 11, he commenced his formal education in painting at the Cultural Center of the Mariel Municipality, a foundation that laid the groundwork for his future endeavors in the realm of fine arts.

His passion for art led him to pursue advanced studies at the Provincial School of Art Juan Pablo Duarte, where he honed his skills over three years. The pivotal moment in his artistic evolution occurred in 1988 when he encountered the works of the renowned American artist Robert Rauschenberg at the National Museum of Havana. This encounter sparked Vladimir's fascination with contemporary art, prompting a significant transition from traditional to modern artistic expressions.

In 1993, Vladimir graduated from the National School of Fine Arts, solidifying his formal education and paving the way for a career marked by innovation and experimentation. Notably, for his thesis, Vladimir delved into the use of alternative materials, employing earth as a filler for paints. This set the stage for a series of works where he explored the essence of tobacco and ashes, skillfully employing the Grisaille technique to create captivating pieces.

Vladimir's talent garnered international attention at a young age when he received recognition at the Children Contest in Japan in 1989. Over the years, he actively participated in numerous exhibitions, both group and solo, showcasing his evolving artistic style. Noteworthy among his achievements are three consecutive First Prizes at the Urriola Avelino Perez competition in 2001, 2002, and 2003. In 2005, he secured the First Prize in a contemporary sculpture competition in Artemisa, Cuba, further establishing his prowess in the art world.

In 2016, Vladimir embarked on a new chapter by relocating to Serbia, where he continued to contribute to the cultural landscape. Actively engaging with the artistic community in the Serbian capital, he also devoted his efforts to public organizations, introducing art to young people and preschool children. His dedication culminated in the establishment of his personal gallery in Belgrade in 2021, a testament to his commitment to fostering artistic expression.

During his time in Serbia, Vladimir participated in group exhibitions in Belgrade and achieved the notable feat of securing the 9th place in the European art award. His international recognition expanded as his paintings found homes in collections across the globe, including the Sephardic Jewish Center of Cuba in Havana, the Carlos Balinho Museum in Artemisa, Cuba, and various private collections in Germany, Spain, France, Israel, the USA, Sweden, the Netherlands, Serbia, Croatia, and Russia.

• Nationality: CUBA
• Date of birth : 1974
• Artistic domains: Works by professional artists,
• Groups: Professional Artist Contemporary Cuban Artists