Levitation IV, 2019

Rafael Barrios (b. 1947, Venezuela) is a sculptor and artist known for his innovative approach to monumental sculpture and three-dimensional art. He began his studies at the Museo de Bellas Artes in Caracas, gaining early recognition with the National Youth Painting Award in 1963. Barrios continued his education at the Ontario College of Art in Canada, where he graduated with honors in communication, design, and pure art, followed by studies in Fine Arts and Monumental Sculpture Techniques at New York University. His work is characterized by its dynamic, levity, and strength, often manifesting in large-scale public sculptures that challenge geometric norms. Barrios' sculptures create the illusion of suspended volumes and break traditional orthodox directionality, offering new perceptual possibilities. He has served as Art Director for UNESCO and as a creative consultant for Latin Touch. His profound artistic philosophy is reflected in his statement about the nature of reality and art: "As long as we insist on proposing virtual reality as a representation of universal identity, we are making the same academic mistake..."