Jesús Lázaro Alfonso Juan
Born on September 23, 1969 in Havana, Cuba.
A self-taught artist with 70 group exhibitions and 9 personal exhibitions.
Awarded 4 times in salons in the city of Havana.
Past exhibits in US, Italy, France and Spain's Picasso Museum in Malaga.

Hi. My name is Sam and I am helping Jesus (pronounced Hesus) as I consider him my friend. I am volunteering my time and I do not take a salary or any profits from the sale of the paintings.

While on vacationing in Havana in 2002, I walked into Almacenes San José Mercado Artesanal. The tour guide took me there for souvenirs as it was my first time in Cuba. Upstairs was reserved for artists to sell their paintings. Mostly repetitive paintings of Cuban buildings and cars. Unexpectedly I came across Jesus Lazaro's section and it felt like I had walked into an art gallery. Wanting to buy the paintings but lacking the experience and knowledge to bring them home. Fear dominated and I did not buy the 4 paintings that for the first time in my life felt the greed to have them in my home.

One year later I went back to Havana determined to pick up the 4 paintings. Unfortunately Jesus had sold them all in a exhibition in New York. All his paintings are fantastic and I did bring one painting home. Since then I have gotten to know Jesus better and I pick up one of pieces every time I go.

Life for Cubans has never been easy. Politics and governments are not something I know much about so I can't criticize anyone. I do know that life for Cubans has taken a drastic turn in the last few years.

Jesus and I keep in touch through text message and he told me he has a son with Asthma. Medication is impossible to get but his nebulizer has become difficult to use due to the long blackouts. Jesus never asks for anything but this time he asked. A rechargeable nebulizer so his son can breathe easier even during black outs. After a brief search I found someone that was going down to Cuba. Jesus received the care package and sent me a few paintings as a thank you.

Anyone is welcome to contact Jesus directly via WhatsApp or even better visit him in Havana at the Almacenes San José Mercado Artesanal. He is always working on his paintings so he will have all his new works at the art market.

These paintings vary in size. These pictures were taken with an old cell phone. The colors are brighter than the photos as these were taken on an old phone. The actual paintings are much more beautiful. More paintings will be added in the future.

First time I tried to purchase a painting I didn't have enough information to know how to put a value on what I am buying.

I thought it might be helpful to break down the cost so that beginners like me can understand. Paint and Canvas costs can vary. Jesus' style requires lots of acrylic paint. Paint cost per painting can be $100 to $500 depending on the painting. The stretcher bars (the wood frame behind the canvas) can cost anywhere between $100 to $350 depending on the size. Not to mention the costs involved in displaying and selling.

For a small painting 30"x40", sold at $300 or $500 on a stretcher, there isn't much left for the artist. Hence the term starving artist.

Available Art

Jesus's style has developed over the years. These are a small sample of his past works. Some of these pieces are from his experimental days. Mostly sold in art shows around the world. if there are any pieces that interests you Jesus may be able to create something similar.

Available Art

Past Art