Rafael Barrios
“If gravity was not on our minds, the world would work better.”
Rafael Barrios (b. 1947) was born to Venezuelan parents in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. From a young age, Barrios displayed a natural affinity for art, prompting him to pursue studies at several prestigious academies. He honed his skills at institutions such as the Museo de Bellas Artes in Caracas, Venezuela, Asbury College in Ottawa, Canada, Ontario College of Art, and New York University. (Read more).
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Rafael Barrios has earned acclaim as one of the most groundbreaking contemporary Latin American artists and the father of Virtualism. This artistic movement reimagines volume, allowing it to dynamically alter form based on factors like distance, observer perspective, and changing light conditions. His sculptures defy conventional directionality, unlocking fresh avenues of perception. Each piece possesses a unique set of dynamics, blending levity, strength, and magnetism.
Over his illustrious four-decade career, Barrios has participated in more than 100 exhibitions, showcasing his work in both solo and collective shows. His art has graced the most prestigious art centers across the United States, Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East. Notably, his pieces are featured in esteemed collections such as the Sofia Imber Contemporary Art Museum in Caracas, Venezuela, the Procter & Gamble International Headquarters in Cincinnati, Ohio, and the Coca-Cola headquarters in New York, among others.
Over his four-decade career, Barrios has participated in more than 100 exhibitions, showcasing his work in both solo and collective shows. Additionally, his work has been included in the most important art centers of the United States, Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East. Notably, his pieces are featured in esteemed collections such as the Sofia Imber Contemporary Art Museum in Caracas, Venezuela, the Procter & Gamble International Headquarters in Cincinnati, Ohio, and the Coca-Cola headquarters in New York, among others.
SELECTED EXHIBITIONS
Important Exhibitions
2019 Ontological Curisosity: Rafael Barrios, Coral Gables Museum, Florida, USA
2018 Rafael Barrios, Mind’s Eye, Art of the World Gallery, Houston, Texas, USA
2017 Hôtel Les Cures Marines, Trouville-sur-Mer, France
2012 Rafael Barrios on Park Avenue, New York, USA
1987 Museo de Arte Contemporaneo Sofía Imber, Caracas, Venezuela
1978 Centro de Bellas Artes, Maracaibo, Venezuela
Important Group Exhibitions
2017 Museo de Bellas Artes, Magda Arria, Lima, Peru
Miami Symphony Orchestra, Adrienne Arsht Center, Miami, Florida, USA
2009 ArtBo, Bogota, Colombia
2008 Chicago Art Fair, Chicago, Illinois, USA
2007 Museum Shanghai Sculpture Space, Changning District, China
2005 Toronto International Art Fair, Toronto, Canada
Permanent Collections
Don Juan Carlos de Borbón, King of Spain
Gloria Von Untaxis, Princess of Germany
Museo de Esculturas al Aire Libre, Alcalá de Henares, España
World Bank, Caracas, Venezuela