JUAN ALBERTO CRUZ
(Born in 1941, Puerto Rico)
In 1946, his family moved to the United States. At that age, he revealed his artistic gifts by grasping a feeling for colors and shapes.
Cruz’s interest in art evolved in the 60’s when he began painting with oil. Cruz is a self-taught artist. He briefly attended the Art Student League in New York City in 1975. In the 80’s, Juan Cruz began his travels searching for his past and an understanding of where tribal and modern world meet. He journeyed to Spain, Mexico, Central America and Cuba. Much of Cruz’s “real education” came from his travels. He graduated in 1995 from the School of Visual and Performing Arts at Syracuse University. His work has shown extensively in Upstate New York, New York City and Puerto Rico. He is represented by the Gallery, Obra Galeria in old San Juan, Puerto Rico. His work has been included in many collections in the United States and Puerto Rico. The Everson Museum, The Gifford Foundation,The Marshall Reisman Foundation, The Cayuga Museum of History, and many other personal collectors.
ARTIST STATEMENT:
In my works, I am constantly discovering new images and seeing new visions. These images reveal themselves to me, and speak to my inner self. I try to give these images life and meaning. Through the years, I have found a sacred connection with my work. This connection has been my guiding light towards the path to freedom.
SOLO EXHIBITIONS- SELECTED:
2006 Uri Art Gallery, Puerto Nuevo, San Juan, P.R.
2005 Galeria San Juan Bautista, Casa Alcaldia. Sponsored by – El Museo De San Juan, P.R.
2004 Onondaga Community College, Syracuse, N.Y.
2000 Taller Boricua Gallery, Spanish Harlem, NYC
GROUP EXHIBITION- SELECTED:
2012 “Personal Images”, Syracuse Stage, Syracuse, N. Y.
2008 “Mona Lisas”, Traveling Show, Museum of the Americas, Miami, FL.
2008 “The Otto Reyes Collection” / “Rayes Veray”, Museo de Arte Contemporaneo de P.R. Santurce, Puerto Rico.
2008 “La Nueva Colectiva”, Obra Galeria, San Juan, P. R.
1986 “The Jacob Javits Center, Sponsored by El Museo Del Barrio, NYC
AWARD- SELECTED
2010 Artist in Residency, Near Westside Initiative, Syracuse, NY
1998 CRC, Individual Artist Award, NYS Council on the Arts, NY
1994 Ineri Foundation, Houston, TX/ NYC
1990 Ineri Foundation, Houston, TX/ NYC
1984 Ineri Foundation, Houston, TX/ NYC
1989 NYS Council on the Art Grant
COLLECTION- SELECTED
“Archival Collection”, Money Corp. Offices. NYC
Mr. & Mrs. James Harithas. NYC/ Texas
Mr. & Mrs. Martin Yenawine, Wellesley Island, NY
Familia Roig, Guaynabo, PR
Manuel V. Vazquez ,San Juan P .R
Reyes Veray , San Juan,P.R.
Reyes Veray , San Juan,P.R.