Christian Curiel

Curiel’s work explores ideas about reality versus dreaming, ritual, mystery and symbolism, reflecting upon Latin American cultural and literary references. The works collide themes of migration, immigration, belonging, and identity placed within the complex and highly emotionally coded world of youth. His work evokes a dreamlike state that represents the confusion and fragility of coming of age as the embodiment of the struggle for identity and a sense of belonging. The work also explores the influence memories and dreams have on the construction of identity.

 

Curiel’s works have been exhibited in solo and group exhibitions in galleries, museums, and cultural institutions in the U.S. and abroad. Institutions include Fondation Cartier in Paris, France, The Bass Museum, MOCA Miami, and the Pérez Art Museum in Miami, FL., The Americas Society, El Museo Del Barrio, and Lehmann Maupin Gallery, NY. NXTHVN, CT. Major Collections include Fondation Cartier, Paris, France. The Pérez Art Museum, Miami, Fl. The Dean Valentine Collection, L.A. California, The Hort Family, NY. and Jean- Pierre Lehmann Collection among others in New York and Jeanna Bullock Collection, Russia.

 

Curiel was born in Puerto Rico to Cuban parents and currently lives and works in New Haven, CT. He received his MFA from Yale University in 2005. He has taught at Yale University, Southern Connecticut State University, University of New Haven, and Broward College among other institutions. In addition to his solo practice, Curiel is a member of the 4-artist collective called Fe Cu Op, who have produced works together for over a decade.