Alberto Luis Copello Cleger: A Cuban Artist’s Journey from Self-Taught to International Recognition
Alberto Luis Copello Cleger was born on May 4, 1971, in Camagüey, Cuba, a city celebrated for its rich cultural heritage. Known as one of the cultural hubs of Cuba, Camagüey has been home to many distinguished artists, poets, and musicians throughout its history. Although Alberto grew up surrounded by creativity, his journey to becoming a painter was not straightforward.
At the age of ten, driven by a deep passion for art, Alberto applied to the Art School in his hometown. However, his application was rejected, leading him to develop his artistic skills independently. Undeterred by this early setback, Alberto immersed himself in painting, creating small works in his free time. His self-taught journey was a testament to his perseverance and deep desire to express himself through art.
The Spark of a New Beginning: Rediscovery in Cuba
It wasn’t until 2014 that a significant turning point in Alberto’s life occurred. During a trip to Cuba, he reunited with an old friend, the 94-year-old painter Victor Moreno. Moreno, an influential figure in Alberto’s early years, reignited his passion for painting after almost 43 years of not holding a brush. This reunion was a moment of profound inspiration, marking the beginning of Alberto’s artistic comeback.
Upon returning to Slovenia, where he had settled in the town of Ruše, Alberto began creating new works that caught the attention of painter Marijan Kosi. Kosi, a fellow artist, recognized Alberto’s talent and encouraged him to organize his first small exhibition. This was a pivotal moment in Alberto’s artistic journey, one that would eventually open the door to wider recognition.
Establishing a Presence in Slovenia and Beyond
In 2017, Alberto’s work took a more public turn when he met Rajko Ferk, the president of Duplek Art. Ferk invited him to participate in an art event in Maribor, Slovenia, giving Alberto the opportunity to showcase his work to a broader audience. This was the beginning of his collaboration with Duplek Art, where he became the only Cuban representative in the group.
As part of Duplek Art, Alberto participated in several exhibitions across Slovenia, including in cities such as Celje, Slovenska Bistrica, and Litja. These exhibitions were pivotal in building his artistic reputation, leading to a solo journey that would see him display his work in new cities like Velenje, Rogaška Slatina, Šentjur, and even at a prestigious university in Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia.
An Artist’s Dream Realized
Alberto Luis Copello Cleger’s journey as an artist has been one of resilience and unwavering dedication to his craft. From his early years as a self-taught painter in Cuba to becoming a recognized figure in the Slovenian art scene, Alberto’s passion for painting has been his constant companion. He credits his rediscovery of painting to his encounter with Victor Moreno, for which he is eternally grateful.
Today, Alberto continues to pursue his dream of becoming a great painter, with each stroke of the brush expressing his personal journey from adversity to triumph. His works are a testament to the power of art to transcend borders and connect cultures, as he bridges the gap between his Cuban roots and his adopted Slovenian home.
Through his exhibitions and collaborations, Alberto has found a platform to share his unique artistic vision, combining his Cuban heritage with the influences of Slovenian culture. His works are a reflection of his life story, capturing the beauty of both his homeland and his new surroundings.
As he continues to paint, Alberto remains humble, ever thankful for the restoration of his passion for the art that has shaped his life. For him, painting is not just a career or a hobby; it is the fulfillment of a dream that began in his childhood in Camagüey, Cuba, and continues to evolve in Slovenia.
Alberto Luis Copello Cleger’s art stands as a symbol of resilience, passion, and the universal power of creativity. His works not only reflect his personal experiences but also invite viewers into his world—a world where color, emotion, and culture intertwine to create masterpieces that resonate with audiences worldwide.