I’m Abisay Puentes, a painter and composer born in Cuba who now lives and works in Syracuse, New York. Since childhood, art and music have been the languages with which I tell my story: I grew up on the warm, vibrant streets of Havana, dreaming of painting the world with the colors of my soul and hearing the melodies hidden in every experience.My Cuban youth was marked by adversity and challenge. At sixteen my rebellious spirit and need for expression led to a pivotal moment: I was expelled from art school for wearing a T‑shirt with a religious message. Sitting on the curb outside, tears of sadness mixed with determination as I promised myself I would never let a regime’s chains stifle my creativity.Far from classrooms and dogma, I began a self‑taught journey. I wandered through museums, absorbed the wisdom of seasoned artists and immersed myself in the vast ocean of art. Along the way I met a mentor—a philosopher of art—who taught me to translate verse into canvas. Under his guidance I discovered how each brushstroke could dance to a melody and how every color could resonate with a hidden note. My work stopped being just visual; it became a symphony of experiences, emotions and narratives.In 1998, defying censorship and oppression, I presented my series “The Apocalypse of Abisay.” Though marginalized by the government, these paintings resonated in the hearts of those who longed for freedom and pure beauty. The collection was more than art; it was a manifesto, a declaration that even in the deepest darkness the human spirit can shine brightly.In 2010 I crossed the waters toward freedom with my family beside me and my dreams in my heart. I found a new canvas in Syracuse, New York. Here, far from tyranny, my art has flourished; my paintings have become a luxury for the soul, an experience reserved for those who understand their value and depth.Today, from my studio in Syracuse, I continue merging painting and music to create contemporary works that speak of rhythm, color and memory. My art isn’t for everyone; it’s meant for those who see beyond the surface, who feel the hidden music in each stroke and who value the narrative of a spirit that never gave up. Each piece I create is a fragment of my story—a symphony of struggle, passion and unbreakable beauty—made for those who want to hear the music of the soul and witness the poetry of color.If you’re in Syracuse or anywhere in New York, I invite you to visit my studio, explore my online gallery, or commission a custom piece that resonates with your own story. You can reach me through the contact page or follow me on social media to discover new collections, exhibitions and concerts. My story becomes art, and my art becomes a transformative experience that transcends borders and time.