Ronaldy Navarro was born in Sabanilla del Encomendador in Matanzas, Cuba—a little town where he cannot remember anyone making art. His Afro-Cuban neighborhood was defined by its practice of shamanism and, while at times unaccepting of his mixed Spanish and Chinese ancestry, its appreciation of raw beauty and natural power inspired Ronny to express himself. At the age of 12, he enrolled at the province’s School of the Arts, beginning years of clashing with institutional education that led him to reside in New York, “the city of artists,” in 2007. Here, Ronny has made remarkable friendships, which encourage him to continue creating. When Ronny isn’t making his own work, he’s installing work made by others as a professional art handler.
