Carlos Gamez de Francisco

Cuba, lives in Fort Myers, Florida

Cuban born artist Carlos Gamez de Francisco paints opulent, highly saturated portraits of women that reference fashion illustration and the decorative arts. The artist's unique visual language results in canvases dripping with dewy-skinned models, gem-toned flora and fauna, and richly patterned textiles. His method of applying watercolor to canvas gives these images a sense of immediacy that matches the youthfulness and vigor of their subject matter while also playing with the concept of innocence.

The artist reflects, "As a Cuban, history has influenced me in a variety of ways. On the one hand, it allows me to rethink the way storytelling is part

of our memories. On the other, it allows me to question the accuracy of history and its telling. This conflict absorbed me during my early years and continues to engage me. Currently, this near-obsession with the past translates into figures, scenarios, and most importantly, the recreation of my own stories."

Gamez de Francisco lives and works in Fort Myers, Florida.