Born in Havana in 1966, Carlos Quintana is a graduate of both the San Alejandro School of Fine Arts and the Superior Institute of Industrial Design in his hometown. His divergence from conventional artistic paths and his solo pursuits set him apart as a rebellious and unconventional figure in the underground art circles. His paintings are characterized by enigmatic symbols and narratives, reflecting a deep-seated fascination with depicting the harsh realities and sordid aspects of everyday life. Drawing inspiration from historical art, Quintana infuses his work with a symbolic quality through his use of vibrant hues, creating a tapestry of cultural allusions.
His predominantly self-taught learning resulted in a spontaneous, transgressive, and intuitive painting style characterized by originality and singularity. His unconventional technique showcases a curious and intense language, reflecting a unique creative capacity. Carlos Quintana has taken part in numerous group exhibitions since 1984.
His works have been showcased in countries such as Argentina, Canada, China, Costa Rica, Spain, the United States, Italy, Mexico, Peru, the Dominican Republic, Switzerland, and Venezuela. He has made a notable presence at significant events like the Basel Contemporary Art Fair in Switzerland, the Miami Latin American Art Fair, Art Chicago '96, ARCO (International Contemporary Art Fair), the City Salons (Cuba), the Cuban Art Salons (Cuba), and the Havana Biennials. Public and private collections in Cuba, Panama, Mexico, the United States, Italy, France, Monaco, Canada, Venezuela, and Japan hold and exhibit his pieces.