Segura Esterio

Esterio Segura was born in Santiago, Cuba, and has established his artistic presence both in Miami and Havana. He pursued formal education in the arts, earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the Professional School of Arts in Camagüey City, Cuba, in 1989. Continuing his academic pursuit, Segura received a Master of Arts from the Superior Institute of Arts (ISA) in Havana City, Cuba, in 1994.

Segura is renowned for his multidisciplinary approach, engaging in painting, sculpture, and installation. His work is characterized by the use of humorous imagery to tackle socially and politically charged themes, particularly those surrounding Cuban history and his personal immigration experience to the United States. Segura’s art seamlessly blends witty and thought-provoking elements, often incorporating recognizable, iconic images from mythology, popular culture, religious art, and art history, notably drawing inspiration from the Counter-Reformation, the Spanish Baroque, and Caravaggio.

His compositions frequently explore themes of eroticism, religious rituals, and symbolism. In recent years, Segura has integrated text elements into his works, believing that titles provide a concrete entry point for viewers to engage with his art. “Titles are my thoughts getting concrete,” Segura states, emphasizing their importance in offering insight and access into his artistic expressions.

Segura has achieved significant recognition and has exhibited extensively across the United States, Latin America, and Europe. His first solo exhibition took place in 1986 at the Escuela Provincial de Artes Plásticas y Ballet in Camagüey, Cuba. He continued to showcase his unique vision through notable exhibitions such as “Bird and Fish: In the Freezer” at Gasworks Studios, London, in 1996, and “Habanos libres y yo. Fotografías y dibujos” at the Fundación Ludwig de Cuba, Havana, in 1997. Another remarkable exhibition, “Espacio ocupado por un sueño,” was presented at Centro Wifredo Lam in Havana in 1999.

Segura has also been featured in several prestigious group exhibitions. Among them is “La Misión” at the Dominico San Juan de Letrán Convent Gallery, Havana, in 1992, and the influential “Las metáforas del templo” at the Centro de Desarrollo de las Artes Visuales in Havana in 1993. In 1995, he participated in “Una de Cada Clase,” organized by the Ludwig Foundation of Cuba. Additionally, he contributed to “La isla a flote” at Der Brücke Gallery, Buenos Aires, Argentina, in 1998, and “Trabajando p’al inglé” at the Concourse Gallery, Barbican Center, London, in 1999.

Esterio Segura’s work resonates with the resilience and creativity of life in Cuba, capturing the angst of the Cuban people while expressing it poetically. His art not only showcases his depth as an artist but also offers a compelling narrative that reflects on cultural and historical contexts. Through his innovative use of imagery and text, Segura continues to captivate audiences worldwide, leaving a lasting impact on the contemporary art scene.