| Carlos Enrique Prado | |
| Known For: | Sculpture and ceramics |
| Notable Works: | Ronald Reagan Equestrian Monument |
| Birth Place: | Havana, Cuba |
Carlos Enrique Prado (born 1978) is a contemporary Cuban artist recognized for his contributions to the fields of ceramic sculpture and public art.[1] [2] [3] Currently residing in Miami, Florida, Prado is actively engaged in both the creation of his art and the sharing of his expertise as a professor at the University of Miami[4] in Coral Gables. His artistic endeavors span various mediums, including sculpture, ceramics, drawing, digital art, performance, installations, and interventions, showcasing versatility and creativity throughout his career. One of his notable recent achievements is the completion of the Ronald Reagan Equestrian Monument,[5] [6] [7] a major public sculpture commissioned by Miami-Dade County and situated at the Tropical Park in Miami, Florida. In 2023, Carlos was selected as a member of the International Academy of Ceramics (AIC/IAC) based in Geneva, Switzerland.[8] His affiliation with the AIC/IAC not only signifies his international recognition but also underscores his active engagement with the global ceramics community.
Carlos initiated his artistic education by completing his studies in Sculpture and Drawing at the San Alejandro National Academy of Fine Arts in Havana in 1996. Founded in 1818, San Alejandro is the second oldest beaux arts academy in Latin America that has been teaching since its establishment, boasting a great reputation. Subsequently, he pursued a Bachelor of Fine Art in Sculpture, Summa Cum Laude, at ISA University of the Arts of Cuba, formerly known as Instituto Superior de Arte, graduating in 2002.[9] This university, renowned for forming distinguished artists in various arts disciplines, including visual arts, performing arts, music, cinema, and dance, had already accumulated great prestige as an institution. Carlos continued his academic journey, earning a Master of Fine Art (Studio Art) degree from ISA University of the Arts of Cuba in 2008, further solidifying his expertise in the realm of Studio Art.
Carlos has been a faculty member at the University of Miami since 2014. With a specialization in teaching the human figure in clay,[10] he also imparts ceramics hand-building and wheel-throwing techniques to his students. Prior to his current position, he served as an assistant professor of sculpture and ceramics at the Visual Arts School of the University of Arts of Cuba ISA, from 2002 to 2012. During his tenure, he taught various courses, including Studio Art Practice and "Personal Project in Ceramics." Additionally, Carlos actively contributed to the admission and thesis committees and assumed the role of the head of the Sculpture Department from 2006 to 2011. Demonstrating his versatility, he also taught the Live Modeling in Clay course at The Royal University College of Arts (KKH) in Stockholm, Sweden, in 2007. Furthermore, he conducted a summer class on Large-scale Ceramic Sculptures at the University of Mary Washington in Virginia, USA, in 2011.[11] [12] Carlos's expertise extends beyond the classroom, as he has conducted demonstrations on the Portrait in Clay at various universities in the United States, including Midwestern State University in Texas in 2011.
Carlos has been a visiting artist at various institutions, including the University of Southern California, East Los Angeles College, Midwestern State University, Arizona State University, University of Mary Washington,[13] Florida International University, University of Alabama, and Royal University College of Arts (KKH) in Stockholm, Sweden.
Prado's artistic contributions have earned a place in several distinguished public collections, underscoring the recognition and appreciation of his work. His pieces are prominently featured in collections such as Art in Public Places Collection Miami-Dade County, reflecting the local government's commitment to integrating art into public spaces. Furthermore, his artworks are preserved in the National Museum of Cuban Contemporary Ceramics, showcasing his influence on the Cuban contemporary art scene. In addition, Carlos's pieces contribute to the research and study of ceramic art at the ASU Art Museum - Ceramic Research Center. His artistic presence extends beyond national borders, with pieces housed in the Museum of Contemporary Ceramics (MCC) in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. These collections serve as enduring repositories of Carlos's artistic legacy, offering future generations access to his diverse and impactful body of work.
Carlos has received numerous awards and honors in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the field of visual arts. Notably, the Mayor of Miami-Dade County and the Board of County Commissioners issued an official proclamation declaring Carlos Enrique Prado Day in 2022, acknowledging his significant impact on public art projects. His achievements also include a Reconocimiento (Recognition) at the Biennial of Cuban Contemporary Ceramics in 2022, the Second Prize for installation at the Biennial of Ceramics "The Vessel" at the National Museum of Ceramics in Havana in 2007, and the Third Prize in the VIII Biennial of Ceramics "Amelia Pelaez" in 2006. Additionally, he received a Mention in the VII Biennial of Ceramics "Amelia Pelaez" in 2004 and the Sculpture Prize in the Salon de la Academia 1996 at the International Event of Schools of Arts held at the San Alejandro National Academy of Fine Arts in Cuba. Furthermore, Carlos was honored with the Prize of the International Triennial of Ceramics Elit-Tile in 2003, hosted by the Museum of Modern Arts in Santo Domingo, The Dominican Republic. These accolades underscore the recognition Carlos Enrique Prado has harvested throughout his career.
Carlos Enrique's profound impact on public art is exemplified through his diverse contributions to installations commissioned by Miami-Dade County. These include the Serafin Sanchez Valdivia Monument, a bronze sculpture located in General Serafin Sanchez Park in Olympia Heights, Florida; the Rogelio Gonzalez Corzo “Francisco” Monument, adding cultural significance to Francisco Human Rights Park, Florida; "Rising Above the Horizon," a large-scale public sculpture at Medley Town Hall Monument Plaza, Florida; the iconic President Reagan Equestrian Monument at Tropical Park in Miami, Florida, a major sculpture in bronze symbolizing the connection between man and horse; and the Dulce María Loynáz Monument in Taoro Park, Puerto de la Cruz, Spain, commissioned by the City of Puerto de la Cruz. Each artwork, ranging from 2002 to 2022, showcases Carlos's ability to weave narratives that resonate with the cultural and historical context of diverse locations, enriching public spaces with his artistic vision.
Carlos Enrique Prado has showcased his artistic evolution through solo exhibitions, with notable presentations such as "Tautologies" at Kendall Art Cultural Center in Miami, FL (2022).[14] [15] This recent exhibition featured 3D-printed ceramic sculptures, providing a glimpse into Carlos's contemporary approach and his mastery of the ceramics medium. Another significant solo exhibition, "Preludio y Fuga," took place at the Convent of San Francisco de Asis in Havana (2010), where Carlos presented digital prints and installations as part of the Biennial X of Ceramics of Havana. Over the years, Carlos has consistently presented solo exhibitions, including “El icono escamoteado” at the Hispanic-American Center of Culture in Havana (2009), “Terapia sanitaria” (Sanitary therapy) at the Ludwig Foundation of Cuba (2008), "Re-Visiones" at the National Museum of Contemporary Cuban Ceramics (2006), "Todo para llevar," featuring portable sculptures at the Galiano Gallery in Havana (2006), and "Otra forma más de mirar lo mismo" at the Gallery of the Cultural Center ICAIC (2005),[16] among others.
He has also actively participated in numerous group exhibitions, showcasing his work alongside other artists in various venues. Notable among these are exhibitions at the Museum of Contemporary Art of the Americas (MoCAA), the Museum of Arts & Sciences (MOAS), LH Horton Jr Art Gallery, Kendall Art Center, the Sidney and Berne Davis Art Center, the National Museum of the Cuban Contemporary Ceramics, the University of Miami Wynwood Gallery and the Potter Fine Arts Gallery, Missouri Western State University. St. Joseph, MO.[17] His involvement in these group exhibitions reflects his collaborative spirit and integration into the broader artistic discourse. Whether contributing to the cultural vibrancy of Miami's Wynwood Arts District, FL, or engaging with diverse artistic perspectives at the Reuben Saunders Gallery in Wichita, KS, Carlos's participation in group exhibitions underscores his commitment to a shared artistic dialogue.
Prado has shared his insights and knowledge through lectures at various institutions. His engagements include presentations at the Ceramics Research Center at the ASU Art Museum, Midwestern State University, the National Museum of the Cuban Contemporary Ceramics, the University of Mary Washington, and The University of Alabama, among others. These lectures cover a range of topics, from his personal artwork to the broader state of ceramic art in Cuba. By contributing to academic discussions and sharing his experiences, Carlos has played a vital role in fostering a deeper understanding of ceramic art and its cultural context.