Urbay, Jose

Jose Urbay is a Nova Scotia-based Cuban-Canadian artist. His artwork has been
exhibited in solo and group exhibitions in Havana, Madrid, Venice, and Vancouver. He finds inspiration in his personal experiences, spirituality, nostalgia, and the beautiful Nova Scotia landscape. Some of his work is held in collections in United States, Cuba, Norway, and Italy.

ARTIST STATEMENT

My career as a visual artist started in the mid 90s. During my first years as a student at the Instituto Superior de Diseño (ISDI) in Havana, editorial illustration captivated all my attention and creative energy. The way I determine and use colour is strongly related to the way light and shadows are manifested in the tropics, where I am from. I often use primary colours, searching from time to time the over-saturation and vivid contrasts, as well as an ambience that would relate to a dream or a past experience. After moving to Nova Scotia in 2022, the beauty of the local landscapes got my attention and I started to develop a body of work, reflecting my interpretation of the rural scenery and sometimes focusing on details like the flora. I travel around the Annapolis Valley looking for references that will inspire my next piece. The landscapes and nature of this beautiful province have been my main source of inspiration ever since.