World-renowned Afro-Cuban artist, Eduardo Roca (Choco), is coming to the Valley Arts District in New Jersey for the opening of his upcoming art exhibition, Retazos del Sol (Traces of the Sun). Choco, who lives and works in Havana, is one of Cuba's most important artists and is internationally recognized for his collagraphs, ceramics, and oils. Co-produced by Latin Art Space and ValleyArts Firehouse Gallery, the exhibition will showcase a fabulous mixed-media installation, Yemayá, Goddess of the Sea, first shown at the 2012 Havana Biennial, as well as other three-dimensional works and his coveted collagraphs. The opening reception on May 9 will be hosted by the Firehouse Gallery in the Valley Arts District.

Curated by Astrid Martinez-Jones of Latin Art Space, Retazos del Sol is a series of works representative of contemporary Cuban life and culture. Many of ... Choco's works reflect the magical world of Afro-Cuban religions, as well as the ethnic mix of people, and the racial and economic challenges of daily Cuban life. Choco's art is boldly colorful and his technique gives the images a 3-dimensional and stunning textured feel, as if they were in motion. This movement is sustained in Choco's interpretation of the figures themselves, as they twist, reach, sway, swim, and gaze. The sharp contrast of colors - at times from the earth, at others from the sea - responds to his particular symbolism and to a very personal lyricism, which establishes an emotional connection with the viewer. He displays a passion for diversity and admiration for societies with a rich mixture of ethnic, racial and cultural backgrounds, such as those found in Cuba, the United States, and Brazil.

As is evident in Choco's work, and particularly in his collagraphs, his various artistic techniques provide an opportunity for a tremendous scope of innovation and experiment. Collagraphy is a printmaking technique which Choco incorporates in many of his artworks. In a collagraph, the original image is composed from a variety of materials placed on a plate, then inked and pressed. These materials, often discarded remnants, are recycled by Choco and turned into pulsating images that beckon to be touched.

Choco was born in Santiago de Cuba in 1949 and is a graduate of the Escuela Nacional de Arte (National Art School) in Havana. There have been two crucial moments in Choco´s career. The first, when he was recognized as one of the leading figures of the rural movement in painting which was significant in shaping the '70s generation of Cuban artists. The second was his exploration of collagraphy in the '80s and early '90s, an achievement that has awarded him the distinction, master of collagraphy.

Choco was one of the first Cuban artists invited to the United States to exhibit his work in 1980, after the 1959 Cuban revolution. He has had numerous solo and group shows in Cuba, Angola, Sweden, the United States, Mexico, Spain, Columbia, Puerto Rico, and Tokyo, receiving many accolades and awards. A most important honor for him was winning the Great Prize in the Triennial of Kochi, Japan. Choco's works can be found in many private and public collections, including: Museo de Bellas Artes, Havana; African Museum of Art, Chicago; Miró Foundation, Spain; Ludwig Foundation, Germany; Kochi Museum, Japan; El Museo de la Estampa, Mexico; and Casa Lamm, Mexico, amongst others.

In his Taller del Sol (Workshop of the Sun) in Old Havana, art collectors, museum curators, and gallery owners come from all over the world to experience the magic of his artwork. Choco's visit to the New York Metropolitan Area will afford viewers a rare opportunity to experience his work first hand, and to engage in informative conversations with the artist.