Reynier Leyva Novo

Reynier Leyva Novo (Cuba, 1983) is a distinguished conceptual artist celebrated for his multidisciplinary approach, fusing anthropological research with cutting-edge technology to explore the psychological and sociological impacts of complex historical issues in Cuba and the Caribbean through meticulous examination of historical data. Novo crafts visually compelling sculptures and multimedia installations that challenge prevailing ideologies and symbols of power, notably questioning the individual’s capacity to instigate change. His renowned series, “The Weight of History,” involves the development of software to calculate the mass and volume of ink used in printing key texts of totalitarian regimes. As an active member of the artist-activist group 27N, he contributes to Cuba’s social movement for freedom of expression and political rights. Having relocated to Houston, Texas, in 2022, Novo is poised to embark on a residency as a Smithsonian Institution Artist Research Fellow in Washington, DC, expanding on his exploration of the transatlantic slavery system and its racial dimensions.

Recognized as a rising star in the international art scene, Novo has participated in major biennials and exhibitions worldwide, including La Biennale di Venezia, Venice, Italy (2011, 2017) and XII Shanghai Biennale, China (2018). His works are featured in prestigious collections such as the Art Gallery of Ontario, the Bronx Museum of the Arts, and the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden. Novo’s practice aligns with the de-colonial moment, inheriting and challenging Cuba’s revolutionary and colonial heritage myths, ideals, and icons.