Oleos & Canvas

Overview

Oleos & Canvas is my independent curatorial project, founded in 2020, to build cultural connections between Cuba and Canada and bring Global South perspectives into conversations that often center elsewhere. I am a Cuban-Canadian curator, entirely self-taught in this practice, with a background in English Literature and Political Science from the University of Toronto (2016 to 2020), where I focused on contemporary literature, comparative political theory, and how dialogue can bring cultures together. Learn more at oleosandcanvas.com.

My focus is on minority groups and the stories that have been traditionally under-represented in Canadian art and public life. Since 2020 I have curated five exhibitions, working across multimedia art, artist collaboration, and full event production: from pop-up galleries to Nuit Blanche, luxury hotel partnerships, corporate activations, and large-scale public art.

What Oleos & Canvas does

The work sits at the intersection of cultural identity, migration, diaspora, and BIPOC experience. I research Cuban art history and diaspora narratives through peer-reviewed sources, write curatorial statements, and build exhibitions that give Canadian audiences a more nuanced view of Cuban and diasporic art than they typically receive.

I am fluent in English and Spanish, which helps me work directly with artists on the island, in Canada, and across the diaspora.

Selected exhibitions

Transcendence (2023)
BIPOC Cuban artists including Renier Cabrera Marrero and Francisco Gordillo, with a fashion show by Lagachette Suits and a performance by Juno Award-winning, Grammy-nominated OKAN. Venue: It’s Ok World, Toronto. Sponsorship: Havana Club.

La Isla es Nuestra, Nuit Blanche (2023)
Contemporary Cuban artists living on the island, emphasizing resilience. Venue: Stackt Market, Toronto.

Havana Nite, Bisha Hotel (2023)
Art and fashion with Lagachette Suits; contemporary Havana work alongside Damien Hirst pieces in a luxury setting. Venue: Bisha Hotel, Toronto.

#ProudToBe Art Expo, Amazon HQ (2023)
With Amazon Canada, Glamazon, and Pride Toronto: 12 Canadian artists and Cuban artists exploring themes of identity and authenticity. I managed a $50,000 budget for a travelling exhibit shown in Toronto and Montreal, with a catalogue distributed to guests. Venue: Amazon HQ (Toronto and Montreal). Sponsorship: Amazon.

Journey to the Island (2022)
Relaunch exhibition infusing contemporary Cuban art with Magical Realism, bridging Cuba and Canada. Venue: pop-up on Ossington and Bloor. Support: InterNations.

Over the Rhine Mural, Cincinnati

Completed a 1,000 square foot mural in Cincinnati’s Over-the-Rhine neighborhood, in collaboration with Esteban A. Leyva and Banz Studio. The piece draws on themes of immigration and cultural movement, and extends Oleos & Canvas beyond the gallery into permanent public art.

Recognition, partnerships, and community impact

• CGLCC (Canadian Gay Lesbian Chamber of Commerce): active member; nominated for Young Entrepreneur of the Year
• Trade missions to New York, with meetings secured at institutions including the Guggenheim and MoMA
• CANFAR: donated artworks valued at over $20,000 to support fundraising through art auctions
• HQ Toronto: placed artworks in a community health centre foregrounding under-represented cultural and spiritual traditions, including Santería influences

Why it matters to my work today

Oleos & Canvas is where I learned to run a project end to end: budgets, sponsors, venues, artists, partners, and audiences. I carry that into my professional work at Amazon Business: coordinating across teams, standing up new programs, and keeping the focus on outcomes that matter to the customer.