René Barba, a Cuban-American artist based in Paris, refers to himself as an “industrial sculptor”—a title that reflects his unique fusion of design and imagination. His work spans organic, plant-like forms and fantastical figures that seem to emerge from nature itself. Barba invites viewers to engage with his sculptures, encouraging them to shape their own interpretations and become part of the artistic experience.“I leave the spectator to his imagination,” he explains, drawing inspiration from a dreamlike realm where humanity and nature are inseparable.
Barba studied art and industrial design at L’École Supérieure des Arts Décoratifs in Paris, and began his creative journey in industrial design, focusing on furniture and objects. His first sculptural works—what he calls “functional sculptures”—debuted in Miami in 1988. After relocating to Paris in the early 1990s, he expanded his practice to include painting, showcasing his work in numerous exhibitions throughout the city.
Barba’s artistic output is ever-evolving, encompassing abstract figurative paintings and sculptural pieces crafted from enduring materials like bronze, ceramic, and wood. “I love the longevity of materials,” he says. His creations are whimsical and surprising, conjuring a world where humans and nature move in harmony. “In this world of illusion, this is my reality,” Barba says.
Exhibitions :
- 1987: Arregui Hsia Fine Art, Coral Gables, Florida – Sculpture Furniture
- 1991: Galerie Les Cent Ciels, Paris, France – Paintings
- 1992: Galerie OZ, Paris, France – Paintings
- 1993: Galerie Van Melle, Paris, France – Paintings
- 2000: La Samaritaine, Paris, France – Glass Sculptures
- 2023: La Promenade des Artistes, Lagny-sur-Marne, France – Paintings and Sculptures
- 2023: Expo 4 Art, Paris, France – Paintings and Sculptures
- 2023: Les Temps Retrouvés, Sarlat la Canéda, France – Sculptures
- 2024: Galerie les Enfeu, Sarlat la Canéda – Sculptures
- 2024: La Promenade des Artistes, Lagny-sur-Marne, France – Paintings and Sculptures
- 2025: La Fête de l’Artiste, Saint-Cyprien, France – Sculptures and Drawings
- 2025: Une touche d’art – 9è édition. La ferme du Couvent, Coupvray, France – Sculptures
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Vous pouvez également me contacter : renebarba@ymail.com