Mbele mboba, 1997

José Bedia   Famous Artists

José Bédia was born in Cuba in 1959. He has been passionate about drawing since childhood and began with comics and illustrations. He joined the San Alejandro Academy as a teenager and developed the skills which he has used throughout his career. While there, he drew a portrait of an Amerindian from a primitive tribe, which set the tone for his future work. He received a degree with distinction from the Instituto Superior de Arte in Havana.

Inspired by his anthropological studies, he developed a strong interest in Amerindian communities. He studied their faith, their religion and their beliefs. Travelling to Angola led him to take an interest in the African roots of American culture. He has visited many different countries: Peru, Mexico, Haiti, the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Zambia, Botswana, Kenya and Tanzania.

His narrative and instructive work shows the cultural heritage of ancient cultures. He currently lives in Miami and exhibits his work in Havana, São Paulo, Venice and at the Beijing Biennale.