HAROLD RUBIO
Deconstructing Objects and Narratives
Bogotá, Colombia – Harold Rubio (1985) , a visionary visual artist, has revolutionized the art world with his unique and unconventional technique: the use of plasticine. Far from being a child's toy, this material transforms in his hands into a powerful tool that imparts exceptional texture and vitality to his creations. Rubio masterfully fuses elements of modern and classical art, nature, and Eurocentric aesthetics with his personal experiences, creating works that are an ode to his life and artistic vision.
Rubio, a graduate of Visual Arts from the Universidad Pedagógica Nacional, is not only a creator but also a lecturer and expert in cultural projects. His ability to innovate and surprise earned him a special mention at the 2024 International Humanity Art Competition at the Bitcoin Cultural Space in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Additionally, he was selected as one of the 30 outstanding artists for the prestigious "Animals in Contemporary Art" (2023-2024) exhibition at Kunsthalle Darmstadt, Germany.
Details of FIAT 600 Objetado (2023)
Plasticine on wood
A Journey of Artistic Rediscovery
Rubio's professional journey began under the mentorship of teacher Viviana González in 2013, who challenged him to reimagine plasticine as a serious artistic medium. During his university research titled "Contributions to Tracing Colombian Identity," Rubio brought to life an iconic series of cars, exploring Colombian cultural identity through foreign objects and highlighting the iconic Renault 4. This series, which marked his thesis, was presented and sold at the Aura Arte gallery in Medellín in 2014, solidifying his position in the art world.
Rubio also explored the influence of school textbooks on Colombian education through works based on books such as “Nacho lee”, “La Alegría de Leer”, and “La Urbanidad de Carreño”, offering a visual critique of the discourses that shaped generations.
Mickey and the Dream of Continuing to Play (2018)
Mixed technique
Artist selected for the 90th anniversary of Mickey Mouse
Conceptual Explorations and Iconic Series
Harold Rubio's works stand out not only for their innovative technique but also for their profound conceptual value. Two of his most acclaimed series are "Paraísos Reimaginados" and "Identidad Objetada."
Paraísos Reimaginados (Reimagined Paradises):
Inspired by his love for Latin American landscapes, particularly Colombian, this series combines worlds separated by distance or eras. With a strong discourse and an avant-garde vision, Rubio uses materials that defy conventions, creating a dialogue between the traditional and the contemporary, the local and the global. Identidad Objetada (Objected Identity): In this series, Rubio explores the elements that form and enrich Colombian culture, from its most deep-rooted beliefs to its most peculiar items. The series delves into how inanimate objects are beautified, adapting them to each individual's personality, and highlights how these objects integrate into the collective cultural identity.
Mint Green Vespa 50N Objetada (2023)
Plasticine on wood
Defining Moments and International Recognitions
Several crucial moments have defined Harold Rubio's career. The first was his childhood, when his fifth-grade teacher bought one of his plasticine works—a gesture that cemented his artistic confidence. The second milestone was the exhibition and sale of his "Renault 4" work, an achievement that catapulted his career. Finally, the auction at the Fundación A La Rueda Rueda, where his Pinocchio piece solidified his prestige in the art market.
In recent months, Rubio has continued to make his mark on the international art scene. He recently donated a piece to the Maestro Cares Foundation, which was auctioned for charity. His work is also featured in private collections of renowned figures such as Marc Anthony and Carlos Vives , demonstrating that his talent knows no bounds.
Harold Rubio continues to challenge conventions and redefine contemporary art with each piece, bringing Colombia's name to the highest standards of the global art world.
JOURNEY ARTISTIC
Colombian
Galleries
• Borboleta (Bogotá)
• Galería Baobab (Bogotá)
• Duque Arango (Medellín)
• Adrián Ibáñez (Bogotá)
• ContemporArt Gallery (Bogotá)
• Elsa Piñeres Galería(Barranquilla)
• Galería La Cometa (Bogotá)
• Darte Social (Bogotá)
• Arte Alto (Medellín)
• Museum Shop – National Museum of Colombia (Bogotá)
National Fairs
• (2021) International Art Fair of Bogotá ARTBO
• (2020) International Art Fair of Bogotá ARTBO
• (2017) BARCÚ
International
Exhibitions
• (2023-2024) Exhibition Animals In Contemporary Art, Kunsthalle Darmstadt, Germany.
• (2023) III Panamerican Benefit Gala, presented by América Viva Alliance (AVA) Miami, USA
• (2021) ArtMarket Budapest
• (2021) Affordable Art Fair, Amsterdam
• (2021) AAF Brussels
• (2020) ArtLima
• (2020) AAF Brussels
Representative
Exhibitions
• (2024) Solo Exhibition - Metamorphosis of the Everyday: Between Icons and LandscapesBaobab Gallery, Bogotá
• (2023) Solo Exhibition - Bridge Between the Simple and the Extraordinary - Arte Alto Medellín
• (2023) Water / Adrián Ibáñez
• (2022) Zoombasta Amigos del Museo Nacional
• (2022) Exhibition Origin - Arte Alto Medellín
• (2021-2022) Fair 7/5 at Elsa Piñeres Gallery
• (2021) Exhibition Intimate Spaces at Aura Arte Gallery
• (2021) Exhibition Paradox Time Landscape
• (2023) Colombianitos Foundation at the III Panamerican Benefit Gala AMÉRICA VIVA
