Renato Osoy
Renato Osoy's artistic trajectory is a captivating blend of diverse mediums and profound expertise, showcasing his evolution as an artist, educator, and curator. His journey commenced in the vibrant stages of Guatemala's City theater scene, where he learned the art of staging and storytelling, setting the foundation for his multifaceted career. A graduate from the Colorado Institute of Art, the Royal Academy of Antwerp, and with a Master's in Artistic Research from the University of Amsterdam, Osoy's academic pursuits have significantly enriched his artistic expression.
Osoy's transition from theater to photography marked a pivotal shift, allowing him to explore narratives through the lens, capturing moments of profound depth and subtlety. This exploration further evolved into video art, where he seamlessly integrated his theatrical and photographic skills, creating immersive multisensory experiences. His foray into painting brought him full circle, offering a tangible medium to express his journey through bold strokes and vibrant colors.
In his role as a curator and educator, Osoy has left an indelible mark, from directing visual narratives at FUNBA to shaping the artistic vision of Galería Extra. His commitment to art education is evident through initiatives like “Laboratorio de Arte Contemporáneo” and “Agentes Culturales” for Fundación Paiz. His work, a harmonious blend of photography and conceptual art, reflects a deep understanding of cultural narratives and contemporary issues, gracing international stages and propelling forward the essence of contemporary art.
Renato Osoy's career, spanning over three decades, is a testament to his belief in continuous learning and evolution, making him a pivotal figure in the global art community. His journey from theater to painting is not just a narrative of artistic growth but a journey of self-discovery, making his art a unique reflection of his diverse and profound journey.
Education
2014
Master’s Degree in Artistic Research from the University of Amsterdam, Magna Cum Laude. Amsterdam, The Netherlands. 2012-2014
2012
Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Arts from the Royal Academy of Antwerp, Belgium. 2009-2012
1996
Photographic Studies, Colorado Institute of Art, Denver, U.S.A. 1994-1996
1994
Cast member in the theater collective “Arte-studio Kodaly”, Guatemala City, Guatemala. 1990-1994
Curatorships & Curatorial Projects
2020
Curator for the exhibition of the visual art teachers of the Municipal School of Visual Arts, titled: “1 kilómetro en la Ciudad”, Guatemala City.
2019
As Content Director, designed structures, scripts and content for the “FUNBA Cultural Channel” on social media; as well performs a series of co-curatorships with guest curators for 4 exhibitions and 15 educational activities linked to the annual exhibitions program at FUNBA-Fundación Nacional para las Bellas Artes y la Cultura, in the city of Antigua Guatemala. 2018-2019
Curator for Galería Extra (A contemporary art gallery for Central American Art in Guatemala City). Curated 22 exhibitions in the main exhibition space and 21 exhibitions for the gallery’s project-space, besides producing a series of 6 biographical mini-documentaries on emerging artist in the context of Contemporary Art in Guatemala City. 2016-2019
Part of the nominating committee for candidates to the “World Press Photo - Joop Swart Masterclass Award”, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
2018
Member of the Y.ES Curators Network, with visits to Museums and artist studios in San Salvador, El Salvador.
Member for the Guatephoto Advisory Board, Guatemala City. 2012-2018
Jury for the Guatephoto contest, Guatemala City.
Curator for the exhibition: “La Pintura en la Práctica Contemporánea”, MUSAC, Guatemala City.
2016
Curator for the exhibition "Galerías Abiertas", at the Municipal School of Visual Art, Guatemala City.
Curator for "Funsilec" art auction event, Guatemala City.
2015
Curator for "Funsilec" art auction event, Guatemala City.
Curator for the annual photography festival Foto30, Guatemala City.
2012
Curator for “Un Evento en el Museo, un Museo en el Evento”, Museo de Arte Moderno Carlos Mérida, Guatemala City.
Institutional Consulting & Commissions
2019
General coordination, institutional design and programming of content for the institutionalization of FUNBA - Fundación Nacional para las Bellas Artes y la Cultura, an institution which also coordinates the MAG - Museo Arte Guatemala; Design of the mediation and Educational Program. The MAG is currently under construction in the city of Antigua Guatemala.
Co-founder and co-director for the contemporary art gallery Galería Extra, Guatemala City. 2016-2019
2016
Coordinator, designer and teacher for the Diploma Course program: “Laboratorio de Arte Contemporáneo” for Fundación Paiz, 2016-17 in the Artecentro site, Guatemala City.
Coordinator, designer and instructor for the one year Diploma project "Agentes Culturales" for Fundación Paiz, 2015-16, a program operated in conjunction with the Guatemala Biennale.
Co-founder of the experimental research project “Textperimento(s)”, Guatemala City.
2015
Co-designer of the “Bachelor in Visual Arts” program for the Educational Department of Universidad Francisco Marroquín, Guatemala City.
Co-designer of the curricular project of the Artecentro “Graciela Andrade de Paiz” School in Guatemala City.
2014
Consulting for the Municipal School of Visual Arts, part of the Guatemala’s City Municipality regarding the event: “Guatemala Capital of Ibero-American Culture”, (Event Conceptualization and Temporary Educational Projects), Guatemala City.
Project Advisory for the “Wolf Bauman Collection”. (Institutional Conceptualization), Guatemala City.
2013
Advisory for La Fototeca, execution, conceptualization and implementation of an advanced photography: “Nueva Generación”, a program within the frame of contemporary visual arts, Guatemala City.
Teaching & Mentoring
2020 to date
By appointment personalized Portfolio Reviews, Artist’s Services and Mentoring.
2019
Teacher in “Lectura y escritura crítica”, Diploma Course program in Fototeca, Guatemala City.
”Arte & Estrategia(s)”, artist’s professionalization seminars; Museo de Arte y Diseño Contemporáneo, San José, Costa Rica.
Webinars: “Laboratorio de Creación” y “Teoría de la Imagen”, Fototeca, Guatemala City.
2018
Workshop: “Imagen Inesperada”, La Fototeca, Guatemala City.
Art History Class “La Decisión y El Azar”, Fundación Paiz, Guatemala City.
Teacher at Universidad Francisco Marroquín, Guatemala City. 2015-2018
2017
Seminar in Fundación Yaxs: Formas de ver; modos de hacer, Guatemala City.
Workshop in La Erre cultural center: “Textos Como Imágenes”, Guatemala City.
2016
From his studio, articulates a series of Contemporary Art and Photography workshops, and organizes a series of public exhibitions entitled: "Imagen Inesperada", Guatemala City. 2015-2016
2010
Workshop: "(El lenguaje de la fotografía (un enfoque contemporáneo))", GuatePhoto Festival, Guatemala, in collaboration with La Fototeca.
2009
Workshop: "Tomar fotos mientras está de viaje", Antwerp, Belgium. In collaboration with Karavaan.
Workshop: "La intuición fotográfica En el Retrato y el Paisaje" Guatemala City. In collaboration with La Fototeca.
2006–2007
Workshop: "Iluminación Avanzada" and workshops on creative development, Espacio 13-65, Guatemala City.
2004
Workshop: "El desnudo en la fotografía" Galería El Attico, Guatemala City.
Workshop: "Fotografía Documental" Proyecto Cultural El Sitio, Antigua, Guatemala.
2001
Workshop: "La fotografía como herramienta creativa" Studio 52, Guatemala City. In collaboration with photographer Alan Benchoam.
2000
Workshop: “Fotografía Documental", Casa Comal, Guatemala City.
1999
Workshop: "Fotografiando el desnudo" Galería Poliedro, Guatemala City.
Workshop: "Trabajando el cuarto oscuro" Casa Azul, Guatemala City.
1998
Workshop: "El Desnudo como Elemento Humano en la Fotografía" Casa Azul, Guatemala City.
Conferences on a series of short experimental workshops at the Casa Azul Art Academy, Guatemala
Panelist and Speaker/Lecturer
2019
Presentation for the 27th ICOFOM-LAM “Proposing an Educational Program to activate a Project for a Museum in Guatemala”, Universidad del Valle, Guatemala City.
Panelist at the discussion: “Money Talks; Economy in the art world” Museo de Arte y Diseño Contemporáneo, San José, Costa Rica.
Universidad Veritas, “Parallels in the Development and History of Photography”, San Jose, Costa Rica.
Speaker at the Contemporary Art Symposium: “Pasos a Desnivel”, Centro Cultural de España, Guatemala City.
Panelist at the discussion: “La Actualidad en la Fotografía”, for the 10th anniversary of La Fototeca, Guatemala City.
2018
Panelist at FLII - Latin American Forum on Impact Investment: “Cultural Entrepreneurship”, Antigua Guatemala.
Speaker at the 9th Encuentro de Fundacult in Antigua Guatemala.
Exhibition table at the New York Foundation for the Arts - IBM; Cultural Entrepreneurship Symposium, New York, USA.
2015
Moderator at the "Adherente" Design Festival, 2015, Guatemala City.
Moderator and panelist, "Guatephoto 2015", Guatemala City.
2012
A series of conferences and workshops at La Fototeca, Guatemala.
2010
Conference about the project "The Infinite Highland", Museum fur Volkerkunde, Hamburg.
2006—2007
Conferences on personal work at the "Festival del Centro Histórico", Guatemala City.
Individual and Collective Exhibitions
2020
“FRACTÁLISIS” a photographic exhibition on the occasion of the 40th anniversary from CIRMA’s - Centro de Investigaciones Regionales de Mesoamérica fototeca archive, at La Nueva Fábrica, Aldea Santa Ana, Antigua, Guatemala.
2018
“Guatemala from 33,000 km: Contemporary Art, 1960 – Present”, Museum of Contemporary Art in Santa Barbara, California, USA.
“Grandes Éxitos”, Centro Cultural Municipal, Guatemala City.
2017
“Juannio”, Latin American Art Auction, Museo Ixchel, Guatemala City.
2016
"Automatismos", Universidad Rafael Landívar, Guatemala City.
"Espacios Públicos", Escuela Municipal de Correos, Guatemala City.
"Arte en Mayo", Fundación Rozas-Botrán, Guatemala City.
"Museo de la Luna", Concepción 41, Antigua Guatemala.
"Solemne Edición Número 3", Contemporary Art magazine.
"Imago Mundi Luciano Benetton Collection", Fondazione Giorgio Cini, Venice, Italy.
2015
"Entresiglos; Arte Contemporáneo de Centroamérica", Museo de Arte Moderno de Guatemala, Guatemala City.
"Guatephoto", La Erre, Guatemala City.
"Las Brisas", Edificio Las Brisas, Guatemala City.
"Propuestas Improbables", S1, Guatemala City.
2014
"Rudin Prize", Norton Museum, Florida, USA.
"Variations.Uniformity", at Bradwolff Projects, Amsterdam, Netherlands.
"Tétano#00", limited edition publication for Colectivo Macú; Fotografía Latinoamericana.
2013
"Medical Experimental", EYE Film Institute Netherlands, Amsterdam, Netherlands.
“Primitives", W139, Amsterdam, Netherlands.
"Ignite 30", Mediamatic, Amsterdam, Netherlands.
"Finding A New Order", Zolder Museum, Amsterdam, Netherlands.
"Finding A New Order”, GoLeb, Amsterdam, Netherlands.
"Finding A New Order", BB15, Linz, Austria.
"Former West”, Haus der Kulturen der Welt, Berlin, Germany.
"SUELTA" @ www.sueltasuelta.es, text and art online platform.
"Geográfica", Fototropia, Guatemala.
"Fotosíntesis", Fototropia, Guatemala.
"Tecún", La ERRE, Guatemala.
"Kijkdoos (Dioramas)” Époque, Antwerp, Belgium.
2012
“Bredaphoto”, photography festival, Breda, Netherlands.
“Guatephoto”, photography festival, Guatemala City.
“Un Evento En El Museo, Un Museo En El Evento”, Museo de Arte Moderno de Guatemala, Guatemala City.
“Entrar Adentro, Salir Afuera, Salir Adentro”, FOTO30, Palacio de La Cultura de Guatemala, Guatemala City.
2011
Public Recognition, Designcenter De Winkelhaak, Antwerp, Belgium.
2010
Noventa Segundos, Galería El Attico, Guatemala.
2008-10
Curator of the web-based project FOTOMALTECO, fotomalteco.blogspot.com
2008
Projection of "Semana Santa en Guatemala" Museum für Völkerkunde, Hamburg, Germany.
Projection of the project "Laberinto de Miradas" for Foto30 exhibitions. Antigua, Guatemala.
FUNSILEC art exhibition, Guatemala.
2007
Traveling exhibition "Imágenes de Guatemala 1850-2005, Fototeca de CIRMA", Moscow, Russia.
2006
"Algunos Detalles de la Naturaleza", Part of the FOTO30 Project of the Centro Cultural de España, Galería el Attico, Guatemala City.
”Juannio”, Latin American Art Auction, Guatemala.
"Sexo y Poder" Casa del Mango, La Antigua, Guatemala.
"La Historia de Danaus" Project, Centro de Cultura Hispánica y Casa del Águila, Guatemala.
"El Cuerpo" Galería el Attico, Guatemala.
Traveling exhibition "Imágenes de Guatemala 1850-2005, Fototeca de CIRMA", Barcelona, Spain.
2005
Traveling exhibition "Imágenes de Guatemala 1850-2005, Fototeca de CIRMA", Ateneo de Madrid, Spain. Casino de Santander, Spain. Castilla-La Mancha, Spain.
"Catorce años de Galería El Attico", Guatemala.
"Arte Subasta", Anacafé Building, Guatemala.
2004
Galería El Áttico, "Muestra Fotográfica", Guatemala.
"Arte Subasta", Anacafé Building, Guatemala.
Galería Panza Verde, "Colaboración con David Halfon", Antigua Guatemala.
"Fotografías 1999-2004" Centro de Investigaciones Regionales de Mesoamérica (CIRMA), Antigua Guatemala.
2002
"Fotógrafos de fin de Milenio", Córdoba, Spain.
”Juannio”, Latin American Art Auction, Guatemala.
"Arte Subasta", Edificio Anacafe, Guatemala.
2001
Traveling exhibition in Mexico City, Guerrero, Tehuacán and Tamaulipas, México.
"Arte Subasta", Anacafé Building, Guatemala.
Instituto Americano de Guatemala, "Suerte y Castigo", Guatemala.
"Algunas Cosas nos Recuerdan Algunas Cosas", Casa de los Nativos, San Lucas Sacatepéquez, Guatemala.
2000
Salón de la Plástica Mexicana, México.
Arte Subasta, Edificio Anacafé, Guatemala.
1999
Traveling exhibition in Guatemala City, Quetzaltenango, Cobán, Antigua for one year "Últimos Diez Años de la Plástica Guatemalteca", Guatemala.
Traveling exhibition in Guatemala City and Antigua, "Despertares", Guatemala.
Instituto Guatemalteco Americano, "Miedo", Guatemala.
CIRMA, "Foto subasta", Antigua Guatemala.
Universidad de San Carlos, "Ecléctica", Guatemala.
1998
Múseo de Arte Moderno "Foto jornada", Guatemala.
Galería el Áttico, Guatemala.
Universidad Rafael Landívar, "El Arte de la fotografía Contemporánea", Guatemala.
INGUAT, "Arte por la Vida", Guatemala.
1996
Gallery of the Colorado Institute of Art, U.S.A.
Denver Performing Arts Complex, U.S.A.