Sculptor Rubio Harak

Contests
• Contemporary Fine Arts Festival, Botello Gallery, Plaza de las Américas, San Juan, Puerto Rico, 1992.
• II Biennial of the Steel Industry Sculpture, All Steel Manufacturing, Vega Baja,Puerto Rico, 2012.
• III International Symposium of Sculptores, “Sculptores of the World 2004” at the Arts Museum, Guadalajara University, Mexico, 2005.
• 1st International Biennial of Sculptures, Guadalajara, 2008.
• Museum of arts, Guadalajara University, Mexico, 2004.

Prizes
• 1st prize “Olympic International Munument” for the city of Guaynabo, with his sculpture “Olympic Fire” honoring Olympia, Carvajal Foundation, Puerto Rico, 2003.
• 2nd prize National Fine Arts Contest for Young Artists, National Academy of Arts and Sciences, Puerto Rican Institute of Culture, 1992.

Technique
It consists in using the given material, transforming it in its structure with the same plate, without losing the visual projection in its natural state. It will make it strong in its structural level. The polishing will be done by hand, highlighting perspectives and the luster of the material.

Message of the project
It is the feeling of a new dawn, the awakening and multifaceted representation of my island and the Caribbean, which are the centenary roots of our ceiba, the geometric torso is our pillar of progress, displaying an identity towards the space, it is also the bright red of our carnival, the seductive blue of our beaches, which reflects the luster of a new beginning in my eternal guardian. The sculpture is 10′ feet high 7′ feet wide.

Interview to Rubio Harak

• What’s the place that you live like?
I live in a very quiet place in Melbourne, Florida, USA, in the West Atlantic Coast. It’s a magic place, where positive energy flows in the atmosphere.
• Can you share with us a happy memory from your childhood?
Travelling with my parents.
• When did your love for sculptures begun?
I made my first sculpture at the age of nine (9). That sculpture awakened the spark of art within me and I keep feeling it today.
• What does art mean in your life?
Art is a whole in my life, my father is a sculptor and since my early childhood I grew up in this wonderful world. I express my feelings and experiences through my art today, invading spaces and discovering new worlds.
• Do you have any other profession besides sculpting?
I have been a Film Director for the past 15 years.
• A model artist that you admire – fine artist, filmmaker, writer, philosopher
My father Pablo Rubio as a plastic artist; Willen de Kooning, painter; Enrique Laguerre, writer; Jacobo Morales, film director and Don Pedro Albizu Campos, Puerto Rican philosopher.
• A world famous work of art that you admire
“Flamingo” by Alexander Calder.
• A book or author you recommend
“The Blaze”.

• Which historical or political event do you think most affected your country’s present?
US invasion to Puerto Rico.
• Do you practice any religion?
If we fight evil and do right things, religion is not necessary.
• Can you share with us a traditional recipe from your country?
Rice and beans, roast pork and boiled green guineas.
• What is the status or importance of art in your country?
What is the role of the artist in your society?
I am respected in my country. In 2008 I received recognition as a plastic Artist for a great national and international career. My role as an artist is quite important. I try to be a good example for my children and for my society, showing, with great respect, that it is possible to succeed in life as an artist and to represent with honor my land, my people wherever I am.
• Have you already been to South America and Argentina?
What are your expectations for the City of Resistencia and its Biennial?
I know about Argentina even though I have never visited the country. I have very good friends in your land. What else can I tell you about Resistencia? It’s a great honor to be able to work y leave that work, my heart and y sculpture in the Great City of Sculptures.
• What the slogan “Hommo Novus” makes you think about? Can you tell us something about the work of art you are going to make?
“Homo Novus” is a rebirth; it is a very deep subject that will draw much. Let me tell you from my bedroom, that I am going to Resistencia with flavors from the Caribbean, with its heat, its color and Caribbean spark.