Rene Portocarrero

Cuba 1912-1985

René Portocarrero, a Cuban artist celebrated for his vibrant contour lines and color passages that captured the essence of Havana's tropical surroundings, was born on February 24, 1912, in the El Cerro neighborhood of Havana, Cuba. Portocarrero, predominantly self-educated, began painting in his youth and was characterized by his spontaneous approach to art, never conceptualizing his pieces before his brush touched the canvas. His artistic journey commenced at the young age of 14 when he enrolled in the San Alejandro Academy of Fine Arts. However, Portocarrero's robust temperament clashed with the academy's structured training, prompting him to forge his own path in the art world. Despite his departure from formal education, he quickly found his footing, showcasing his work for the first time at the Salon of Fine Arts in Havana. The year 1934 marked the beginning of his professional exposure with his first recorded exhibition at the Havana Lyceum. His diverse skill set spanned across multiple mediums such as sculpture, book illustration, ceramics, and murals, and his talent did not go unrecognized; a notable achievement was receiving a prize at the 1963 São Paulo Biennial.

A respected educator, Portocarrero imparted his knowledge as a Professor at the Free Institute of Painting and Sculpture. His influence extended internationally. The legacy of René Portocarrero is preserved in the vast collections of prestigious museums worldwide. His works are innumerous permanent collections including the Museums of Modern Art in São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, New York, and San Francisco; the National Gallery of Canada; Modern Arts of Paris; Instituto de Arte Contemporaneo in Lima, Peru; and his homeland's Museo Nacional in Havana. René Portocarrero's depictions of his Cuban heritage left an indelible mark on the art world.

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