Orlando Almanza (b. 1989, Las Tunas, Cuba) pulls us into his dream world 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.
Orlando Almanza currently works and resides in Portland, OR, and Havana, Cuba.
This show will be Almanza's debut solo exhibition with Froelick Gallery.
ARTIST STATEMENT
Dear little brother,
Much time has passed since our farewell on the dirt road of the neighborhood alley.
Remember when I taught you how to run like the horses, coo like the owls, to swim like the fish, through the river and to the sea, all in one breath.
Remember when I taught you to fly as high as the carrier pigeons, to arrive where the sea and horizon meet, and still know your way back home.
Remember what our ancestors taught us, that time is not linear, we can see eachother anytime.
When you want to see me, light a candle in the river, say the magic words and I will be there with you.
Take care my little one,
The Shapeshifter
SPANISH
Querido hermanito,
Ha pasado mucho tiempo desde nuestra despedida en la calle tierra del callejón sin salida.
Recuerdas cuando te enseñé a correr como los caballos, a sonar como las lechuzas, a nadar como un pez el camino del río hasta el mar en una sola respiración.
Recuerdas cuando te enseñé a volar tan alto como las palomas mensajeras, a llegar hasta donde el mar se une con el horizonte y saber el camino de regreso a casa.
Recuerdas lo que te enseñaron nuestros ancestros, el tiempo no es lineal, que podemos encontrarnos en cualquier momento.
Cuando quieras verme enciende una vela en el río, di las palabras mágicas, y ahí estaré contigo.
Cuidate mucho mi chiquitico,
El Caugiero
