Derwin Leiva was born in Cuba in 1978, where music was part of his daily life. In 1995 he moved to Miami and in 2004 to Hawaii, where he currently resides. He studied art at the Honolulu Museum of Art, Linekona School, and completed his BFA with Sculpture concentration at the University of Hawaii Manoa.
Although his work has been influenced by artists like Picasso, Boccioni, and Wifredo Lam, Cuban music has always been a constant backdrop to his work. Through rhythm and motion in his work, he mirrors the experience of freedom found in Cuban music.
“Social Distance” 2022, Oil on Canvas 60″ x 48″ by Derwin Leiva.
“Love Quest” 2019, Oil on Canvas, 24″ x 18″ by Derwin Leiva.
Most recently, Leiva exhibited at the 1st International Biennial of Art in the World 2021 in Palermo, and his work became part of the private collection of the US Embassy in Guatemala. In addition, He has participated in several international exhibitions, including International Biennale Barcelona, Spain, and Biennale Internazionale D’Arte Contemporanea 2019 in Mantova, Italy. His work has been displayed at the MEAN. (European Museum of Modern Art) and the Diocesan Museum Francesco Gonzaga.
His work has been published by Exquisite Arts Magazine, Create Magazine, Spotlight Contemporary Art Magazine, Art International Contemporary Magazine, and several books like Important Excellent Art Book, Artisti 20- Annuario Internazionale D’Arte Contemporanea, The Great Encyclopedia of International Art, Masters of Today, 100 Artist of the Future, Trends In Art: Insights For Collectors, and Top 10 Contemporary Artists.
“La Vendedora de Flores” 2019, Oil on Canvas, 36″ x 30″ by Derwin Leiva.
“Friendship” 2022, Oil on Canvas 60″ x 48″ by Derwin Leiva.
“Music for Two” 2019, Oil on Canvas 60″ x 84″ by Derwin Leiva.
Leiva’s work has been recognized internationally and most recently he received the prestigious “Collector’s Vision International Art Award,” the “Artexpo New York “Best New Exhibitor Award,” “International Caravaggio Prize – Great Master of the Art,” “The International Botticelli Award,” “The International Diego Velazquez Prize,” and “The International Michelangelo Award.”
In addition, Leiva was recognized at Mantua Art Expo as “Artist of the Year 2019;” He was also awarded “Artist of the Future” by Contemporary Art Curator Magazine and “Artist of the Year 2020,” by World of Art Magazine for Best in Art and Creativity.
