Essence of Being

Essence of Being was the inaugural exhibition of CSB Fine Arts, introducing the work of Puerto Rican artist Samuel E Vázquez through a selection of paintings and mixed media assemblages that reflect his lifelong exploration of identity, memory, and transformation. Born in Puerto Rico and raised in Harlem, New York, Vázquez draws from the visual language of graffiti, hip hop, and abstraction, combining found materials, layered surfaces, and expressive gestures to create works that embody resilience and renewal. The exhibition marked both a significant moment in the artist's career and the beginning of CSB Fine Arts' mission to champion contemporary Puerto Rican and Latin American artists on the international stage.