KICSY ABREU STABLE

Introduce yourself.

I'm a Cuban artist currently living and working in Brussels. Art is my lifeblood; it makes me feel alive and played a significant role in saving me during a challenging period. For me, art serves as my language to communicate with the world. 

How do you relate to the theme release?

To me, release is not just a concept; it's an action—an act of letting go. It's like that popular phrase, "you just have to let go." There's a profound sense of liberation in this act, allowing me to breathe freely. But it's not just that; release also encompasses a limited space of time, a moment where I find solace and clarity.

This notion of a confined yet significant period is closely tied to being present in the moment. For me, release is about fully immersing myself in the now, embracing the freedom it offers. It's about shedding the weight of the past and the uncertainties of the future, focusing solely on the present.

How would you describe your art?

My art is based on architecture, sculpture, and restoration techniques. Each creation starts with a fictional story featuring characters of my own making. My goal is to challenge both my own and the viewers' perspectives by taking them on a journey through these narratives. I let the materials guide me during the creative process, often leading to a transformation of the initial idea. Working with materials that have a history and a life of their own is something I particularly enjoy.

What’s the relation between your background and your work? 

Coming from Cuba, a country where music and rhythm hold great importance in our culture, I find that these elements influence my work. When envisioning a project, I filter it through the lens of rhythm, pushing the audience to evaluate the piece and embarking on a captivating journey.

Growing up in a financially humble family, where manual abilities were developed out of necessity for survival, I place great importance on mastering techniques to honor my family's value for knowledge and skill.

I live with the consequences of one-sided discourse and labels, such as being solely identified as Black, Cuban, or a foreigner. I aim to break these stereotypes and emphasize that my art is not limited to just being "Cuban art."

I recognize Japanese elements in your work. Is this correct? 

As for combining my Cuban culture with my interest in Japanese culture, my family's background is a mix of Chinese heritage from my great grandfather who came to Cuba to work in the factories. Our society is a melting pot with complex origins and a history of cultural identity loss during colonization. Although I initially struggled to understand Japanese culture, I eventually appreciated the time and effort invested in small spaces and the simplicity with complexity. Embracing the culture, despite not understanding the language, has allowed me to grow as an artist. While my culture remains Cuban, my work draws inspiration from various sources, resulting in a unique blend of influences.

Does art help you in your personal life?

Art plays a significant role in my personal life, allowing me to develop and change as a person. I have a darker side where I can be very judgmental and angry at things that I personally think are unfair. Through the process of creating, I've learned patience and flexibility, as the viewer's interpretation often differs from my original intention. Art has served as a mirror, reflecting different perspectives back to me.

What motivates you to create art? 

My motivation for creating art stems from anything that triggers my interest, especially during moments of solitude and monotony. Repetition and boring moments open my eyes to new possibilities and details.

The main purpose of my work is to encourage people to take the time to feel and experience emotions. In a society that rushes everything, I want my art to prompt people to pause and reflect.

Between which artists would you like to put yourself?

If I were to place myself among other artists, I would align with the likes of Hayao Miyazaki, Do-Ho Suh (visual artist), and Herzog & de Meuron (architects)