Jose Cifuentes
Artist member since 2019
ProToronto, Ontario
CIFUENTES' artistic practice is rooted in the visual expression of freedom. He looks to his own experiences as a Colombian immigrant in North America, often marked by instability and restriction. In response, CIFUENTES’ work seeks to break free from convention in order to express emotional havoc. Starting out as a street artist, CIFUENTES keeps with the tradition through his use of spray paint and marker, juxtaposed with acrylic and oil paint. The resulting canvases oscillate between the abstract and the figural, stylistically defying categorization. Freedom of expression in both style and concept is the thread that binds the works in CIFUENTES’ oeuvre.
Born in Medellin, Colombia, CIFUENTES moved to the United States as a teenager. He completed a diploma from Bergen College in New Jersey where he studied Fine Arts. In 2009, CIFUENTES moved back to Medellin where he founded the award-winning clothing brand beFREE. In 2016 CIFUENTES moved to Toronto where he continues to live and work.
CIFUENTES’ work has been featured in fairs and exhibitions internationally, including Red Dot Miami, Florida; Gallery 1313, Toronto; ARTA Gallery, Toronto; Distrito Creativo el Perpetuo Socorro, Medellin; and Monroe Center for the Arts, Hoboken. He is recipient of the Panasonic Creative Excellence Award and a 2019 Refugee and Newcomer Mentorship Grant from Toronto Arts Council. He is a board member and artist resident at Gallery 1313 in the Parkdale Village where he resides.
Q+A
Favourite book
Mind is a Myth by U.G Krishnamurti
Describe your home in 3 words
Positive, Productive, Loving
What do you listen to when you work?
Cannonball Adderley, Wu-Tang Clan, Radiohead
Who do you consider a genius?
Anyone who makes a good living doing what they love
Why is art important to you?
Art is the voice in my head that tells me to paint, to express, to create and share with the world.
Describe the person your work appeals to in 3 words
Curious, brave, deep
Select Past Exhibitions
2020
2020
2020
2020
2020
2020
2020
2020
2019
2019
2009
2009
2008
2008
2008
2008
2008
2008
2007
Accolades
2020
2019
Press
2020
2020
2019
2018
Education
2018
2007
Social
What do you mean, “try”?
Try-before-you-buy with a 3 month rental. 100% of your rental payments go towards the purchase (interest free). Message the artist directly, and start the conversation.
Art made (truly) affordable
We make it easy for you to try art with smart payment plans and try-before-you-buy models.
See How It WorksYou’re covered.
Artwork protection is included on all art rentals up to $10K. Our Customer Care team is always here to help.
Contact UsUnlock Trade Access
For industries including interior design, film/TV production, & real estate staging: rent original pieces that fit with your project vision, budget and timeline.
Apply for Trade Access1% from every transaction goes towards a Canadian arts nonprofit.