Born 1987 in Tlaxcala, Mexico
Lives in Berlin, Germany
STUDIES
2014 - 2019 Kunstakademie Düsseldorf Prof. Franka Hörnschemeyer, Germany
2019 Meisterschüler Prof. Franka Hörnschemeyer
EXHIBITIONS (institutions)
2022 RAUSCHEN, Kunstverein Wagenhalle e.V. GER / solo
2021 Goldstücke, Kunstmuseum Gelsenkirchen, GER/ group
2021 Ortung 12, Schwabacher Kunstbienale, GER / group
2019 Art of Skate, UZWEI im Dortmunder U, Dortmund, GER / group
2017 "Akademie [Arbeitstitel]" , Kunsthalle Düsseldorf, GER / group
2012 BESTREET Magazine, La Cité de la Mode et du Design, Paris, FRA / group
EXHIBITIONS (galleries)
2022 Limbo Land, Culterim Gallery, Berlin, GER/ group
2019 SKTWK Art Show, Ninasagt Galerie, Düsseldorf, GER / group
2015 "SCHEIN" , GALLERY AM MEER, Düsseldorf, GER / solo
2012 C787 Studios, Santurce, Puerto Rico / group
RESIDENCY / GRANT
2022 NEUSTART KULTUR Stipendium
2021 Transurban Residency Dortmund / GER
COMMISSIONED WORK
2021 Specialized, Campaign, link / USA
2020 Skatehalle Berlin, link / GER
2018 City of Düsseldorf, link / GER
2015 ARTE TV - "Art of Skate" by Roberto Cuellar, link / GER - FRA
2014 Converse - CONS Project Los Angeles, link / USA
2013 Absolut Vodka - Absolut Graffiti Roberto Cuellar, link / GER
2013 Adidas - Skate Sculpture / GER
2013 Converse - CONS Space 002 Berlin, link / GER
ENGAGEMENT
2020 Direction of an art workshop „diversity decks“ in cooperation with Drop In e.V, Berlin, link / GER
2016 DIY Skateable Sculpture in cooperation with Cuba Skate, Inc. / CUBA
INTERVIEWS (selection)
2021 TRANSURBAN Urban Art in NRW / GER
2021 The No Comply Network / UK
2021 SOLO Skateboard Magazine / GER
BIO
"Skateboarding is a highly individual and versatile form of expression and therefore per se also an art form." - Roberto Cuellar
The works of Roberto Cuellar move between installation and sculpture, interior design and urban art. At the age of twelve, the Mexican-born artist discovered skateboarding for himself and realized that it is also a special form of treating self-images and self-expression. Even before his studies at the Kunstakademie in Düsseldorf, he created his first skateable installations.
Cuellar's formal characteristics are his clear geometric and graphic formal language. Technically complex in construction, he creates sceneries from materials such as wood, steel, plastic, lighting and other components that oscillate between artistic forms of expression.
These skateable installations are characterized by the idea of interaction: they are in formal language exchange with the space that surrounds them. Building on the exploration and research of this space, they transform it, shape it, and aim to establish lasting new and durable modes of use. Moreover, Cuellar's works invite the audience to step out of their viewing-contemplative stance and walk and navigate the sculptures. They become performers and shape the works by leaving traces of wear and tear. In this way, site-specific works are created whose urban context is reflected in materiality and formal language.
STATEMENT
Through skateboarding I learned perseverance during my youth, which is caused by the constant trial and error and by getting up again and again, that makes you overcome your own fears. You work arduously for a long time to enrich your own repertoire of tricks.
The perception through an extremely sensitive approach allows an extraordinary interaction with your own environment. I later discovered the same qualities for myself in the creation of fine art. The perseverance one needs, the constant overcoming of fears and consistently questioning oneself and one‘s work. The different materials to discover for yourself and the years of practice you need to enrich your own repertoire of experience and knowledge - which you later need to put together skillfully to develop your own form of expression and style.
"To never be done and to reach yourself at the same time. That is the paradox of the successful oneself." - Sören Kierkegaard
It's all about the good times!
