Interview with Reynier Llanes

What does it mean to you to be an artist?
Being an artist for me is a way of life that encompasses all aspects of my day-to-day. It may sound like a romantic way of seeing the world, but the discipline this work requires also means constantly creating and bringing all aspects of your life into your craft. However, over the years, hard work and dedication have become more important than inspiration.

Do you think your cultural roots make your art more universally relatable or more specific?
There is a perspective in storytelling that I love: the more personal a story is, the more it connects with people. Regardless of where you come from or the specific characteristics of your context or life, I’ve found that the human experience is universal. In the end, we all worry about the same things and navigate life under the same circumstances of love and uncertainty. So, the best way to be universal is by sticking to your personal story and life events.

How do you navigate the tension between preserving tradition and innovating within your art?
I’ve been having interesting conversations recently during Miami Art Week with artists, collectors, and art enthusiasts. These occasions are incredibly special for exchanging ideas. We often discuss the evolution of one’s work and the phases an artist typically goes through. I’ve experienced many stages, from painting in a more traditional style that could be seen as preserving tradition to taking greater risks with technique. While one may never fully master traditional painting in terms of realism and composition, maintaining curiosity about creation requires taking risks and innovating from time to time.

Are there any philosophical ideas or theories that deeply resonate with you?
I try to read and engage in profound conversations with friends and fellow artists who can provide a complex and analytical vision of the world. At the end of the day, the deepest reflections come from within ourselves. Many ideas and theories interest me, particularly those related to the future of humanity and our role in the natural world. How humans interact with nature, how we are part of it while at times denying it, and how this impacts daily life and potentially our evolution as a species are themes that fascinate me. After the COVID-19 pandemic, I became more aware of how interconnected and sensitive we are, though issues like climate change and sustainability have always interested me.

How would you describe the philosophy behind your art?
My art is a reflection of my own existence. I imagine that all creators reflect themselves in their work and explore what interests them most. In my case, representation, colors, and compositions are my way of communicating with the world, both as a creator and as a viewer. My art is my exorcism, where I create poetry and meaning. As a painter, I’ve gone through many phases, but figuration and expression have remained constant.

How do you choose the color palette for a particular piece, and what drives those decisions?
When I imagine a painting, I think about the atmosphere I want to create—the light, the kind of experience I want to convey. Whether it’s warm, cold, exterior, or interior, I consider the emotions guiding me to make this painting and choose the foundation accordingly. The palette unfolds from that foundation. The theory of color and its links to specific emotions has been something I’ve played with throughout my career, and it still surprises me. Sometimes, I listen to the opinions of those who admire my work and learn from them as well. Often, I achieve the objective I had when designing the painting; other times, the result is completely different, which I love.

How do you translate abstract emotions into tangible visual elements in your work?
To translate abstract emotions, I focus on creating symbols, contrasts, and atmospheres that evoke specific feelings. This process often begins with a personal connection to the subject matter, which I then abstract or simplify to make it relatable. It’s a delicate balance of intuition and technical skill.

How important is storytelling in your paintings, and how do you craft narratives visually?
Storytelling is an essential part of my work. Perhaps compositions are the element with which I most develop these stories, but beyond the physical work, there’s also a narrative component. Early in my career, my pieces had many elements, were more realistic, and almost always had multiple focal points. Revisiting those early works and ideas fascinates me—it’s like traveling back in time to my beginnings in Cuba, my journey to the United States, and everything since. In my current compositions, there’s still a lot of storytelling, but I also enjoy the beauty and subtlety of each element.

Can you describe a moment when your art took an unexpected direction and taught you something new?
A pivotal moment for me was discovering that coffee could be used as a medium similar to watercolor. This realization came during my early days in Cuba when I lacked resources to paint. Professional materials weren’t available, and coffee, a traditional drink with deep family roots, offered a creative shift that I still explore and honor today. My most recent show at the Saladrigas Gallery of the Jesuit Preparatory School in Miami pays homage to this medium.

How do you balance the personal nature of your work with the expectations of a global audience?
As I mentioned, there’s no experience more universal than the personal. Every human journey can be understood by another, as we share the same emotions. I believe this applies to the art market and galleries as well. I greatly value the guidance and advice of the institutions I work with, and they appreciate my work in turn. This creates a good balance where my art can reach a global audience while remaining deeply personal and true to the vision I imagine. We are planning a show with Firetti Contemporary for next year in Dubai featuring my Poet series. This is a clear example of how the personal nature of my work resonates with art lovers all over the world. Art and humanity are universal languages.

How do you view the interplay between dreams and reality in your work?
Dreams and reality intertwine in my art as metaphors. Dreams allow me to navigate ideas without constraints, while reality grounds the emotions and narratives in something tangible. Together, they create a balance that resonates deeply with viewers.

What do you see as the most important theme in contemporary art?
For me, themes of identity, connection, and sustainability are central to contemporary art. The way we address our place in the world—individually and collectively—shapes the art we create and consume.

What do you hope your audience discovers about themselves when viewing your art?
I hope they discover emotions or memories they hadn’t considered in a long time. My goal is to create a dialogue where viewers reflect on their own stories through the lens of my work.

Do you think art should always be understood, or is its power in the viewer’s interpretation?
Art doesn’t need to be understood to be powerful. Its strength lies in creating unique experiences for each viewer, allowing them to find their own meaning.

Do you have any artwork you’ve decided never to share with the world? Why?
I’ve created my own collection over the years, consisting of my works and those of friends. Some pieces, especially those about my son, hold deep sentimental value. While these works have been exhibited, they always return to me. I believe all art is created to share, to spark debate, or to make the world—or someone—happier.

Do you believe art can change the world? If so, in what way?
I firmly believe it can. Art, creativity, and abstract thinking have the power to bring us closer together and elevate our humanity. At a time when mental health, individuality, and community concepts are pressing concerns, art can contribute significantly to these areas. A creative and artistic perspective helps us solve problems and find collective happiness, which, ultimately, is what we all seek.

Please, for more information follow Reynier LLanes‘s website and Instagram.