Alexandre Arrechea: Caribbean Stages

Simard Bilodeau Contemporary is thrilled to present Caribbean Stages, a solo show of new works by Cuban artist Alexandre Arrechea on view from 3 May to 7 June 2025. In these abstract figurative pieces, the coral reefs of Cuba’s coastline emerge as inspiration—grounding each work in a tangible place of deep meaning for the artist. 

 

In addition to the organic forms and architecture of reefs, Alexandre drew inspiration from modeling techniques such as 3D printing and dioramas. These metaphorical frameworks allowed Alexandre to reimagine the canvas as a mechanism—a place where reality is imagined, constructed, and reconstructed again and again. These works invite viewers to consider new forms of existence that thrive at the intersection of the natural and the human-made. Here, architecture becomes a container of diverse cultural expressions, embodying adaptability, resilience, and innovation. At its core, Caribbean Stages explores cultural identity and its constantly shifting nature—reshaped by time, distance, and context. 

 

Born in Trinidad, Cuba in 1970, Alexandre Arrechea is a multi-disciplinary artist who's work spans large-scale installations, sculpture, drawing, and video. He first gained international recognition as a founding member of the Cuban collective Los Carpinteros (1991–2003). Since launching his solo career, Arrechea has produced ambitious public projects such as NoLimits (2013), a series of monumental sculptures along Park Avenue in New York, and Katrina Chairs (2016) at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival. In 2020, he unveiled Dreaming with Lions at Faena Miami Beach—an immersive circular installation inspired by Hemingway’s The Old Man and the Sea. Recent highlights include Hexagon Garden (2022), a collaboration with Balmain, Black Sabbath the ballet (2023) with the Birmingham Royal Ballet for which he designed set and costumes, and Intersected Horizons,  2024 his most recent museum survey curated by Gabriela Urtiaga at MOLAA in Long Beach, California. Arrechea earned his BFA from the Instituto Superior de Arte (ISA) in Havana in 1994. His solo exhibitions have been presented at leading institutions such as the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes in Havana, the Museum of Latin American Art in Long Beach, and PS1 Contemporary Art Center in New York. His work is also held in the permanent collections of major museums including the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), LACMA, Museo Reina Sofía, MUDAM Luxembourg, the Studio Museum in Harlem, and PAMM, among others.