Art and abstraction, in their potent form, transcend the physical to touch the essence of human experience. The work of artists, particularly abstractionists, might look unimpressive to the common man but it actually wields colors, shapes, and textures as instruments to articulate emotions and truths that words cannot contain. The journey from darkness to light, chaos to order, the known to the unknown—all these themes find vibrant expression in none other than abstract art. Artists delve into their subconscious, peeling away layers of meaning to create works that resonate with audiences on a universal level. It is this exploration of the unseen, the intangible, that gives life depth and allows individuals to connect with a higher, more spiritual realm. Abstractionists often remind us that meaning isn’t always found on the surface; rather, it is discovered in the spaces between, the silences, and the subconscious forces that influence our perceptions.
Such is the perspective of Osvaldo Calixto Amador as well. Amador is a Cuban American abstractionist and expressionist who embodies this philosophy in his art and life. Born on September 6, 1965, in Havana, Cuba, Amador’s early life was marked by upheaval and loss. He emigrated to Miami, Florida, with his mother and older sister when he was just nine months old, leaving his father behind in politically isolated Cuba. He reunited with his father at the age of 15, only to lose him shortly after. These experiences shaped the emotional depth and introspective nature of Amador’s art, which often explores themes of light, spirituality, and transformation.
Despite facing early hardships, Amador’s academic journey was marked by intellectual curiosity and achievement. He earned a bachelor’s degree in History from Florida International University and a master’s degree in Sociology from Nova Southeastern University. Though he was accepted into a doctoral program in psychology, Amador chose to devote his energy to art, a lifelong passion that allowed him to process and express his complex emotional landscape.
Amador began his formal career as a painter in 2006, quickly gaining recognition for his unique approach to abstract art. His first major exhibition, Resurrection (2010), held with the support of Miami Dade College and the City of Miami, was met with critical acclaim. Artzine Magazine hailed the exhibit as “one of the best productions in ages,” noting the profound spiritual and emotional depth of his work. Two years later, he held a solo exhibition, Credo (2012), at La Merced / Corpus Christi Catholic Church in Midtown Miami, further establishing his reputation as an artist deeply engaged with spiritual exploration.
Amador’s paintings are characterized by the use of natural elements such as water and fire, creating textures that mimic the rawness and unpredictability of life. His work often incorporates religious symbolism, particularly the cross, as a means to explore the human quest for enlightenment. Influenced by Carl Jung’s theories of the unconscious and his own Catholic upbringing, Amador’s art serves as a conduit for his spiritual journey.
In 2023, Amador expanded his creative output with the publication of his memoir, To Kill a Cockroach. The memoir delves into themes of isolation, belonging, and the immigrant experience, resonating deeply with readers and earning praise from critics. Kirkus Reviews described Amador as “a sympathetic storyteller who digs into these feelings with fearlessness and grace.”
Currently residing in a secluded cottage in Coral Gables, Florida, surrounded by lush vegetation, dogs, and birds, Amador continues to create art in communion with his environment and spiritual beliefs. His art, much like his life, reflects a deep understanding of the complexities of the human soul and the universal connection we all share. As he puts it, “I paint to heal my spirit and give to the collective unconscious a piece of my inner light.”
Amador’s body of work—both visual and literary—serves as a testament to the power of art as a means of personal and collective transformation. His journey from Cuba to Miami, from hardship to creative success, mirrors the journey he explores in his paintings: a search for meaning, light, and understanding in a world often overshadowed by darkness.
Published By: Aize Perez
