Federico Uribe

Federico Uribe’s work has a well-deserved recognition worldwide. Federico is known for transforming exhibition galleries into large-scale, site-specific, walk-in environments steeped in nature and an imaginative sculptural menagerie.

Born and raised in Bogota, Colombia, Federico Uribe lives and works in Miami. His artwork resists classification. Rooted in the craft of sculpture and paint, Federico nowadays finds beauty in unconventional

materials and transforms objects from their original, utilitarian purposes to create boldly beautiful sculptures, surroundings, landscapes and installations. Federico creates sculptures which are not sculpted but constructed and weaved, in curious and unpredictable, repetitive and almost compulsive ways: everyday objects – for instance cut up pieces of color pencils, bullet shells, shoe laces and pins, electrical wires and components, ties, books, boat parts to mention just a few - become thus unusual instruments of a new aesthetic, full of color, irony and lively playfulness. His impeccable attention to detail leaves the viewer speechless and breathless.

The creation of his artwork is a labor-intensive process, requiring compulsive repetition as the disparate elements are weaved together to form a whole. As a recurrent intention in his work, Federico encourages the viewer to discover, beyond the sole function of an object, an underlying symbolic and beauty, making art which surprises and engages.

Federico Uribe will also be the first artist to represent Colombia (first participation ever of this country) at the 58th edition of prestigious Biennale di Venezia 2019 with an own tridimensional art installation covering floors and walls of several rooms of historical “Palazzo Bembo” in Venice with marine ecosystems made of used plastic tools and waste. From a distance the assemblages appear to be colorful underwater worlds, up close, it is hundreds of pieces of plastic, carefully cut and arranged. The idea is to contribute through this artwork to raise awareness on the disastrous impact of plastic pollution on marine ecosystems worldwide.