Today we’d like to introduce you to Frank Chinea Inguanzo.
Hi Frank, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
As a first-generation Cuban, I had a complicated upbringing. We grew up on the streets of the Miami River area of Little Havana. I was one of the lucky ones. I had two beautiful parents and a bright, tough sister. My mother was my best friend — fearless and loving. My father was sweet and noble, just like my grandmother.
The way they left Cuba in 1962, without the chance to return for many years, was painful and unforgettable. How many beautiful things can you truly miss when you are traveling at three hundred miles an hour? Our parents worked so many shifts that we hardly saw them.
I am a bit disorganized, but perhaps that is justified. I am deeply enamored with my life as a painter. I am unstoppable. I live with this dream with my eyes open.
We all need a reason. Without one, we do not exist. Every painting is a piece of me that will exist forever, long after I have left this world. I aim to leave a legacy.
It is tempting to face an empty canvas and fill it with stories of love, pain, and beautiful memories. Artists are given that gift, and for that, I am extremely grateful. Many of my works are born from accidents. I have deep respect for what the canvas itself has to say. Most of my paintings carry stories and experiences I have lived, or witnessed in others.
Torment is necessary for us creators. Throughout history, we have existed as documenters of our time. Picasso’s Guernica is a powerful example. When and why did I begin to paint? I leave those questions to curators — our historians.
I began documenting my experiences on this strange planet, which no longer looks up at its beautiful skies and refuses to recognize time. To know myself is almost impossible. I exist because I cannot help becoming pregnant — constantly — with images, ideas, nightmares, and beautiful dreams.
Today, my most faithful companion is my shadow, and so many precious memories.
— F.C.I.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
You should go ask the struggles ,they were really mean and hard ,but l took a different road i fought my struggles .needed as they are sometimes ,we are born with the instinct to fight back .
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Nothing sets me apart from others. I’m sure there are many artists on this planet who are better than me.
But I chose to take it on. I decided that one day I would see my work at the Louvre Museum in Paris, at the Metropolitan Museum, and in many other museums. It is a dream with my eyes open.
I am proud of my upbringing.
My parents were brave human beings. I witnessed them endure enormous changes. They left Cuba and came to learn how to pick tomatoes — that was my dear mother’s first job in 1962–1963. My father endured three shifts, working at the Fontainebleau Hotel in Miami Beach from 1962 to 1975.
I am proud of them.
I miss them deeply.
I don’t plan anything when it comes to my painting. I don’t specialize in anything.
But yes, I have goals. I am focused. I am stubborn. I aim high.
I am not insecure.
I am not afraid.
— F.C.I.
What are your plans for the future?
Great plans for 2026.
We are in the planning stage of a major cultural event: a curated solo exhibition to take place during Miami Art Week / Art Basel, inside the indoor basketball court at José Martí Park.
I believe deeply that the Miami River, Little Havana, and José Martí Park will one day be recognized for their historical and cultural importance. As concept coordinator, I am developing a daring vision to activate this space at 434 SW 3rd Ave, Miami, FL 33130 as a living platform for art, memory, and community.
Exhibition Dates: December 3–5, 2026
VIP Collectors Night: December 3, 6:00 PM – Midnight
Special Guest Performer: Grammy-nominated singer Sol Ruiz (invitation only)
This project is produced by Experimento–Miami Productions, with long-term plans to cultivate a new arts movement rooted in the Miami River and Little Havana barrio — the streets where my friends and I grew up.
An electronic invitation will be released in March.
— F.C.I.
Pricing:
- Frank Chinea Inguanzo/ Miami based artist..frankchineainguanzo.com
- Upon request
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Frankchineainguanzo.com
- Instagram: Frank Chinea inguanzo
- Facebook: Frank chinea
- LinkedIn: Frank Chinea inguanzo
- Twitter: Frank Chinea inguanzo
- Youtube: Frank Chinea inguanzo
Image Credits
Pedro gross,laida Mackenzie ,marcela Jimenez ,Evelyn valdirio,Jim zade , Jesus dominguez , Alfredo arias ,max andreu , Jorge hulian , arnoldo muller ,Manuel barcenas .edelmira Inguanzo cantero ,Franco Chinea cepero .
