Henry Ballate: A Visionary in Contemporary Art
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Biographical Overview:
Henry Ballate, lives and works in New York City and stands as a distinguished visual artist and curator. His artistic journey began with a solid foundation, as he graduated from the Art Instructors School in Cuba. Henry further honed his skills through international experiences, studying drawing and painting at the Accademia Italiana in Florence, Italy. In 2007, he earned his BFA in Graphic Design and in 2010 MFA in Visual Arts from Miami International University of Art and Design.
Innovative and Eclectic Approach:
Henry Ballate is a dynamic and provocative figure in the local art scene, showcasing an innovative and eclectic style that sets him apart. His work is easily recognizable for its use of known iconography, which plays a crucial role in his public interventions and appropriations. Throughout his career, Ballate has exhibited his creations in solo and group shows across America, Europe, and Asia, leaving an indelible mark on the global art stage.
Thematic Focus and Recognition:
Ballate's thematic focus often centers on the exploration of human identity in the context of a globalized world. His art reflects the interconnectedness of individuals, addressing societal challenges and celebrating diversity. Notable exhibitions include showcases at Art Basel Miami, Miami, FL. US, National Art Gallery, Dhaka, Bangladesh, Galeria Nacional, San Jose, Costa Rica, London Art Biennale, Chelsea, London, UK, Foosaner Art Museum, Melbourne, FL. US, Cornell Art Museum, Delray Beach, FL. US and many more prestigious venues across the globe.
Selected Works and Contributions:
Among his significant works, "Status, Site-specific art Installation, 2016," a large-scale installation blending in the nature landscape of the florida cost, has received widespread acclaim for its thought-provoking commentary on immigration and global displacement. Surpassed the limits that disturbed Duchamp facing the power of the Art Institution, “The Source, 2017” is a piece that can be transformed through the rearrangement of its components, leading the viewer to experience other relevant works of Art History. His art is not confined to galleries but extends to museums and private collections in Canada, France, Germany, Italy, and the USA.
Artistic Statement:
In his statement, Ballate reveals a deep connection to the past and present, utilizing traditional painting methods alongside innovative techniques. His "Fragments" serve as a bridge between eras, exploring influences from the Renaissance to contemporary art. His creative process, involving collages made on a computer, showcases a modern approach that reflects and celebrates today's technological advances.
Exhibition Highlights:
Henry Ballate's contributions to the art world are punctuated by an impressive list of solo and group exhibitions such as:
2023 - Gladstone Gallery, New York, NY. US.
2022 - David Zwirner Gallery, New York, NY. US.
2020 - Gagosian Gallery, New York, NY. US.
2019 - Foosaner Art Museum, Melbourne, FL. US.
2018 - Cornell Art Museum, Delray Beach, FL. US.
2018 - Doral Contemporary Art Museum, Doral, FL. US.
2018 - MUD Foundation Gallery, Miami, FL. US.
2017 - Kendall Art Center, Miami, FL. US.
2017 - Art Basel Miami, Miami, FL. US.
2016 - Kendall Art Center, Miami, FL. US.
2016 - Walker Art Center, Minneapolis, FL. US.
2015 - Vargas Gallery, Pembroke Pines, FL. US.
2014 - Art-Street Project, Valencia, Spain.
2013 - London Art Biennale, Chelsea, London, UK.
2013 - Art-Street Project During Art Basel Week, Miami, FL. US.
2012 - Vargas Gallery, Pembroke Pines, FL. US.
2011 - MIU Gallery, Miami, FL. US.
2011 - SOHO Arts, Miami, FL. US.
2010 - Art Basel Miami, Miami, FL. US.
2009 - Arteamericas, Miami, FL. US.
2009 - National Art Gallery, Dhaka, Bangladesh.
2009 - Galeria Nacional, San Jose, Costa Rica.
2008 - Art Basel Miami, Miami, FL. US.
2008 - State Art Collection, Tallahassee, FL. US.
2007 - FYR Arte Contemporanea, Florence, Italy.
2006 - Art Basel Miami, Miami, FL. US.
2005 - Art Basel Miami, Miami, FL. US.
2004 - Art Miami, Miami, FL. US.
2004 - Latin American Art Museum, Miami, US.
2003 - Art Basel Miami, Miami, FL. US
2003 - Latin American Art Museum, Miami, US.
2002 - Art Basel Miami, Miami, FL. US.
2001 - Art Basel Miami, Miami, FL. US.
2000 - Sirius Studio Art Gallery, Miami, FL. US.
Curatorial Contributions:
In addition to his own artistic pursuits, Ballate has curated exhibitions, further enriching the cultural landscape. Noteworthy curated exhibitions include:
2020 - Women Artists in the Rodríguez Collection, The Museum of Arts & Sciences (MOAS) Daytona Beach, FL.
2019 - Retratos en chino / Aldo Menéndez Retrospective (1999-2019), Kendall Art Center, Miami, FL.
2019 - Land-Scape of the Cuban Art: Ciro Quintana, Kendall Art Center, Miami, FL.
2018 - Cuban Abstractions: Pedro Avila, Pedro de Oraá, José Villa, Kendall Art Center, Miami, FL.
2018 - D FINE Artists and Exhibitions in the Rodríguez Collection, Kendall Art Center, Miami, FL.
2018 - Miguel Saludes / American Rural Idylls, Kendall Art Center, Miami, FL.
2018 - Vicente Dopico-Lerner / Demons Inkpirations, Kendall Art Center, Miami, FL.
2018 - Alvaro Labañino / Echoes of Silence, Kendall Art Center, Miami, FL.
2018 - Maikel Domínguez / Full of Pollen, Kendall Art Center, Miami, FL.
2018 - Unofficial, Kendall Art Center, Miami, FL.
2017 - Across Time, Kendall Art Center, Miami, FL.
2017 - Artists in Purgatory, Kendall Art Center, Miami, FL.
2017 - Cuban Slugger by Reynerio Tamayo, Kendall Art Center, Miami, FL.
2016 - Diálogos Místicos by José Bedia, Kendall Art Center, Miami, FL.
2016 - International Group Exhibition, 21 New Abstract, Vargas Gallery, Pembroke Pines, FL.
2015 - Explor-Art Puerto Rico, Group Exhibition, Vargas Gallery, Pembroke Pines, FL.
Bibliography:
Henry Ballate is not only a prolific artist but also a published author. His publications include works such as D Fine: Artists and Exhibitions in the Rodríguez Collection. Rodríguez Collection, 2021. Dressed of Waters: Gina Pellón. Rodríguez Collection, 2019. Retratos en chino: Retrospectiva de Aldo Menéndez. Rodríguez Collection, 2019. Re-Appropriation of Fine Arts Through Technology. Art-Sôlido, 2020. Poetas en New York: 200 Años de Poesía Hispana. Art Sôlido, 2023, offering insights into his artistic philosophy and the broader art world.
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Juan Ramón Jiménez Foundation of Coral Gables
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In 2020, Henry Ballate established the Juan Ramón Jiménez Foundation of Coral Gables, a literary haven nestled in Florida. This foundation was born out of a noble objective – to celebrate and honor the legacy of the renowned poet Juan Ramón Jiménez, who once called Coral Gables home. The visionary collaboration between Juan Ramón Jiménez Foundation of Coral Gables and Art Sôlido has given rise to an annual celebration of poetic brilliance known as the "Premio Internacional de Poesía Juan Ramón Jiménez de Coral Gables." This prestigious award aims to recognize and reward poets from around the world, fostering a global appreciation for the art of poetry.
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The Juan Ramón Jiménez Foundation of Coral Gables, under the guidance of Henry Ballate, has emerged as a beacon for poets worldwide. Its commitment to honoring the legacy of Juan Ramón Jiménez and nurturing the next generation of poetic talent is truly commendable. The foundation's annual award and publication of the winning poet's book serve as a testament to the enduring power of poetry and its ability to unite hearts and minds across the globe.​