Urayoán “YOA” Ruiz Paneque was born July 16, 1982 in San Juan, Puerto Rico. His family from Puerto Rico and Cuba have helped enrich his life with a strong sense of identity and great pride in his Hispanic roots. Yoa graduated from Florida International University in 2005 with a Bachelor of Science in Communication and Advertising.
Yoa’s work focuses on stretching the boundaries of creativity. Starting as a photo-realistic painter, he constantly felt challenged to try something new. His artistic style has been an evolution that has lead him to develop an approach that is uniquely his own.
His art attempts to embrace the human connection between music, nature, love and spiritual life. His vibrant colors and positive message invites viewers to step out of everyday life and look closer at themes that connect us all. Yoa’s paintings are filled with patterns, shapes and lines that create movement and often lead viewers to look for symbols and meanings.
His unique approach is a refreshing take on an old medium. His art seems to connect with audiences of all ages and leaves viewers with a fulfilling sense of consciousness for what is truly important and stimulating the human factor.
His paintings are done entirely by hand, using no stencils, or projectors. The patterns inside the paintings are all done freehand which leads to a unique creation every time.
Yoa’s work has been displayed in numerous art shows and galleries throughout the city as well as publications like the Miami Herald and Art Business News.
He currently resides in Miami, with his beautiful wife Cathy and son Giovanni, where he is constantly working on new projects.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
WHAT INSPIRES YOU?
Life itself. I am often amazed by the simple things in nature and human beings. I consider myself an extremely optimistic person seeking the positive side of any situation. My family has been my greatest blessing and they allowed me to experience the joys of childhood. In reflecting to my childhood I travel to a place of fun, peace, and love. My culture from both Puerto Rico & Cuba fill me with a strong sense of pride that comes alive in much of my artwork and my life. I love many types of music and always listen to it while I’m painting. My playlist includes wide a range of artists and styles ranging from the salsa of Hector Lavoe to Tupac Shakur and everything in between. I am a big fan of sports, particularly the NBA and the Miami Heat. My faith in God keeps me focused and believing that through him anything is possible.
My vision is for Yoa Art to serve as an inspiration for people to escape from the complications of life and experience an environment of love, passion, and positivity.
My mission is to use my talents and gifts as a communicator to serve as a positive influence to the world and in turn impact the way people look at life.
WHERE IS YOUR NAME FROM?
The name Yoa is a nickname given to me by my family when I was a little kid. It comes from my full name Urayoán.
The name Urayoán is an Indian name native of Puerto Rico.
Urayoán was a Taíno "Cacique" (Chief) famous for ordering the drowning of Diego Salcedo to determine if the Spanish were gods. |
