Carlos Mateu’s paintings combine a realist style with Cubist elements to create a slightly distorted, surreal vision of the world. He emphasizes the three dimensionality of his subjects using vivid colors, bold shadows, and dramatic perspective shifts. To do this, he applies layers of acrylic like silkscreen, creating clearly delineated forms, to which he then adds texture with oil pastels. Mateu has created his own visual language, full of symbols and iconography drawn from his memories of Cuba, his experience in the U.S., and the influence of Afro-Cuban culture and religions. Mateu studied fine arts at the The National Academy of Fine Arts in Havana, Cuba, and art education at the Joan Mitchell Foundation. He currently teaches both art and Cuban dance.