Meet Carlos Enrique Prado | Artist and Professor of Art

We had the good fortune of connecting with Carlos Enrique Prado and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Carlos Enrique, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
Pursuing an art career isn’t always a conscious decision; it’s often driven by an irresistible impulse that feels impossible to ignore. Creating art has been more than a profession; it’s a necessity, a compulsion to continuously generate ideas and objects, even when circumstances aren’t favorable. For me, art is a profound language—a unique means of human expression that allows for deep communication beyond words.

My passion for visual art and sculpture has always been fueled by a desire to explore human experiences and cultural traditions. Art connects me with others, allowing me to share narratives, evoke emotions, and communicate complex ideas. This urge to express feelings and question shared values is what keeps me on this creative journey.

From an early age, I felt a calling toward visual art, particularly sculpture. With the strong support of my parents, I pursued an education in art and was fortunate to graduate from several levels of art education, all while developing my career as a visual artist.

After completing my studies, I discovered another passion: teaching art. For over twenty years, I’ve been an art educator, and since 2014, I’ve been a professor at the University of Miami. Teaching brings me a deep sense of fulfillment, much like creating artwork. Watching my students’ progress and celebrating their achievements is a true source of joy and satisfaction.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My art often combines traditional techniques with contemporary narratives, primarily in the realm of ceramic sculpture. I focus on creating pieces that not only display technical skills but also convey deep conceptual ideas. For example, in projects like Stubborn, I merge classical statuary references with unexpected elements, exploring themes of identity, memory, and culture.

A core aspect of my artistic exploration involves reinterpreting iconic representations of human figures from art history, particularly within the Greco-Roman tradition, a foundation of Western aesthetics. As a Cuban living in the USA, I often find myself viewed as “the other”, yet I also see Western culture as “the other” in my perspective. This dual perspective allows me to incorporate Western influences with a degree of detachment, deconstructing their sacredness and infusing them with new meanings in different contexts.

In recent years, I have expanded my creative process by integrating digital modeling and 3D clay printing techniques. Digital tools offer me broader possibilities, such as the ability to work with original ancient art models, create intricate compositions, and maintain the integrity of historical references. However, my art continues to rely on traditional manual techniques, with the digital component serving as an additional layer in the creative process.

My career has been shaped by continuous learning, experimentation, and a commitment to producing unique, meaningful work. Teaching has also been pivotal in my growth, challenging me to deepen my understanding of sculpture, ceramics, and public art.

This journey has not been without its challenges. Emigrating from Cuba and balancing teaching with my personal art practice were substantial hurdles. I’ve navigated these by staying resilient and focused, as well as by being open to new horizons, and seeking collaborations with other artists and curators. The support of my community has been invaluable in helping me overcome these obstacles.

One of the main lessons I’ve learned is the importance of perseverance and adaptability. The art world is unpredictable, and evolving my practice has been essential to my growth. I want the world to see my art as a reflection of my quest for identity and cultural exploration—a dialogue between tradition and innovation that speaks to universal human experiences through the lens of personal history and the rich heritage of art.

This year brought significant milestones. In June, I presented Stubborn, a solo exhibition at the Museum of Contemporary Art of the Americas (MoCAAmericas) in Miami, Florida. This exhibition was an ideal platform to showcase my latest collection of ceramic sculptures, where I explore transformation through the violent incorporation of industrial objects like wooden studs, steel tubes, and bricks. These elements, contrasting with the ceramic, leave distinct marks on the clay, symbolizing my ongoing struggle to define my own identity.

Another highlight was my induction as a new member of the International Academy of Ceramics during its Congress and General Assembly in Portugal in September 2024. My work was also selected for the “Mediterranean Ceramics and Their Global Influence” exhibition, held at Armazém das Artes in Alcobaça, Portugal—a profound honor that marked a new chapter in my journey as an artist.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
To give friends an unforgettable experience, I’d start with Miami’s rich cultural landmarks. We’d visit the Pérez Art Museum Miami, a hub of contemporary art that captures the city’s creative pulse, followed by an exploration of local galleries to showcase the vibrant Miami art scene. One must-see stop is the Museum of Contemporary Art of the Americas in Kendall, a sanctuary for art lovers and a bit of a hidden gem.

For a taste of Miami’s Cuban heritage, I’d recommend an evening in Little Havana. While it’s popular with tourists, it still offers a unique experience of Cuban culture through its art, music, and cuisine. It’s a great place to experience the rich Cuban heritage that is integral to Miami’s identity.

Another day could be dedicated to Miami’s natural beauty, starting with a trip to the Everglades for a unique outdoor adventure. I will also take them to the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, a stunning estate that offers a window into Miami’s history along with breathtaking views. Driving over the causeway to Key Biscayne for a scenic view of the city would be the perfect way to end the day.

Miami’s art scene is incredibly dynamic, so I’d recommend a day dedicated to exploring local galleries and visiting some of my friends’ studios to get a behind-the-scenes look at the creative process. If the timing is right, experiencing one of Miami’s art fairs, such as Art Basel, would be ideal. For any art lover, the fairs and pop-up exhibitions here are unforgettable.

Throughout the week, we’d sample the city’s diverse culinary offerings, from Latin American flavors to fusion cuisine, and enjoy the vibrant nightlife, where live music and Miami’s diverse cultural mix make for a truly memorable experience.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would like to dedicate my shoutout to the many people who have enabled me to develop my art. First, I became an artist thanks to the unwavering support, guidance, and dedication of my parents, María Antonia and Santiago, along with my entire family. My true inspiration comes from my wife, Odett, and my daughter, Angie, whose daily encouragement keeps my motivation alive.

The guidance of my professors was instrumental in building my foundation as an artist, and I want to especially recognize Carlos Alberto Rodriguez, my ceramics professor, for his invaluable mentorship.

Reestablishing my artistic career after moving to this country brought many significant challenges, and I am deeply grateful to Peter Held and Steve Hilton for their advice and support in helping me navigate that transition. I am also thankful for Ivan Albreth’s support in my teaching career and to the University of Miami, where colleagues like Professor Nathan Timpano have been incredibly encouraging.

I’d also like to express my gratitude to art collector Leonardo Rodriguez for believing in my work. There are so many people to whom I am deeply grateful, and though I can’t mention everyone here, each of them holds a special place in my heart.

Website: https://www.carlospradoart.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carlospradoart/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carlospradoart/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@carlosenriqueprado

Image Credits
Pepe Ortiz / Carlos Prado