Orlando Almanza (b. 1989, Las Tunas, Cuba) pulls us into his dreamworld of memory, myth and loss with ethereal landscapes, portraits and storytelling. His stories take place in the natural world where figures are intertwined with plants, animals and light. The interconnectedness of his work points to the artist's deep dedication to nature, and the unique way it connects with myths and storytelling across cultures. Each painting invites us in, to search for meaning and truth. Almanza received his B.A. in printmaking from the Institute of Superior Arts in Havana, Cuba.
In 2022, Almanza presented a solo exhibition titled “Born by the River'' at Soapbox Arts Gallery in Burlington, Vermont as well as a solo exhibition titled “Un Laberinto en el EstoĢmago de un Cocodrilo” (A labyrinth in the stomach of a crocodile) at ONA Galeria in Havana, Cuba. These exhibitions focused on the myths from the artist's childhood, growing up in the Cuban countryside. Recent honors include an Artist Residency at The Newport Art Museum and at the Sitka Center for Art and Ecology and the addition of one of Almanza’s works to The Hood Museum at Dartmouth College collection. He currently works and resides in Portland, OR and Havana, Cuba