Julio Ferrer
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Biography
Julio Ferrer was born in Cienfuegos, Cuba. In 1992, he graduated from the National School of Visual Arts in Havana. He has collaborated with the main graphic humour magazines in Cuba often designing for magazines, books and posters both in Cuba and overseas. He was an active member of the National Union for Writers and Artists.
Julio has participated in more than 50 group exhibits and 11 solo exhibits. These were national and international exhibits including in Japan and France. His art forms part of private and museums collections in Cuba and other parts of the Americas. In Cuba his work has been used in numerous public spaces.
Since 1990 Ferrer has won 20 prizes for his work. In 2006 he was selected as Artist of the Year of his province.
Julio moved to Canada in 2007.
Artist's Statement
Classic cars are part of my culture as a Cuban. These cars are an icon of Cuba. Since the year 2000 they have become part of my artistic life. I use them as a centerpiece for representing scenes and daily life of my country and culture.
My first thought of starting these paintings came with the need of finding a way to produce paintings where I could feel satisfied during the creative process and at the same time be provided with the resources to produce the other half of my work which is Pop Art.
Over the years, I decided to sign this genre of paintings as El Chofer (The Driver). It has become a medium for my alter ego. This does not interfere with my other production which is more provocative, edgy and conceptual. With the cars, I release that artist who just wants to represent a realistic scene created most of the times with fast brushstrokes and thick textures of oil.
For me, the beauty of creating art is that I can have fun while I am working. Otherwise is not worth it.