Visual artist

Cuba, 1976. Juan Rivero’s work is shaped by a constant struggle between two opposing forces: the chaotic, violent energy of thanatos, and the pure, naive beauty wrapped in sensuality that represents eros. This tension creates a highly versatile and uncomfortably diverse body of work, as if a scale were erratically tipping between extremes. Rivero paints as an act of exorcism, tearing out inner demons in a desperate attempt at self-understanding. For him, painting is not just a vocation but a necessity—his personality, torn between eros and thanatos, finds reconciliation through art. In this relentless pursuit of salvation, he conceals the essence of a rigorous, technically skilled, and deeply nonconformist artist.
He graduated in Painting from the Professional School of Visual Arts (El Alba) in Holguín (1991–1995) and from the Higher Institute of Art (ISA) in Havana (1995–2001). He taught at the San Alejandro Academy of Painting (2001–2005) and served as curator at the Center for Design and Visual Arts (Luz y Oficios) in Havana (2001–2005). He also organized all five editions of the Circo Project (International Performance and Audiovisual Event) held in Havana (2001–2006). Since 2007, he has lived and worked in Spain.