Volume is the physical magnitude that expresses the extent of a body in three dimensions, and this condition is what seduced the plastic artist Roger Alba Collado to dedicate himself, for more than three decades, to sculpture, his passion par excellence.
Born in the eastern city of Guantánamo, it was precisely there that Alba Collado encountered clay and began to experiment with what could be achieved with that material.
When his art school teachers realized that he was capable of mastering it, they advised him to pursue sculpture.
“Everything around us on Earth has volume; it is volumetric in itself, from drawing, which is the foundation, to painting. Volume predominates and is what gives us that notion of greater magnitude in artistic creations,” he said in an exclusive interview with CubaPLUS Magazine.
“Sculpture,” he continued, “is the channel through which artistic expression allows me to unify several ideas into a single creation. I am motivated by the capacity they acquire when they become volumetric from the project process to its execution. It is a powerful visual communication tool that transcends time and space, o!ering the viewer a tangible and emotional experience.”
“Through sculpture, I have the freedom to express the magnitude of my creations, merging abstract or academic elements in nature, without limits, using various materials and textures,” he considered.
With several awards to his name, this artist has participated in numerous exhibitions and art salons, and several of his works are part of private collections in various countries, including Spain, France, Italy, and the United States.
When asked about the work that has most motivated him to create, he specified that it was one titled Images of a Dream, located in the organic museum of Romerillo in the capital municipality of Playa, created for a collateral expo of the 12th Havana Biennial, invited by the plastic artist Alexis Leiva Machado (Kacho).
“This served as a great experience for me as it was my first time participating in that event, which brought me unforgettable moments with many foreign artists and the opportunity to share unique experiences.”
“The work was carved from coral stone (Jaimanitas), and its execution represented something new for me since it was my first sculpture carved in stone (four meters tall), as at the National School of Plastic Arts I had the chance to carve marble, but in a smaller format,” he explained.
The sculptor valued his work as a personal and artistic journey, reflecting his experiences and emotions: he considers each sculpture he creates as a part of his being and his vision of the world.
“My assessment is based on the creative process I follow. I enjoy experimenting with di!erent materials and techniques, with each piece being an evolution of my skills,” he indicated.
Finally, he spoke about his future: “My biggest project is to keep working, keep creating. To be able to use new resources within this field of plastic arts. To be able to exhibit my works in solo and group exhibitions, and above all, to feel good doing what I love.”
Contact
(+53) 53795226
rogeralbacollado4@gmail.com
Roger Alba Collado
@rogeralbacollado