About

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 shown in the Boca Raton Museum of Art and featured in the Miami Herald, Art Business News and Univision National TV Network among other media. He currently resides in Miami with his beautiful family.


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. Music also serves as a big motivator and inspiration for my art. MOST OF ALL, 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.

EDUCATION:



Florida International University
Bachelor of Science in Communications . 2005
& Fine Art Courses: Drawing I, Figure Drawing II,
Painting I, Painting II, Painting IV, Painting VI


SOLO
SHOWS:







Yoa Art Wynwood . Acoustic Architects . 2013-2014
Viceroy Hotel . Art Basel Week . Miami . 2013
Four Season Hotel . Brickell . Miami . 2013
Suntrust Bldg . YOALIFESIZED . Miami . 2009
Wirtz Gallery . 1st National Bank of S. Miami . 2008
Il Gabbiano . Downtown Miami . 2007-2014
Portofino Towers . Miami Beach . 2007-2009
CocoWalk . Art Spaces . Coconut Grove . 2007
GROUP
SHOWS:







Spectrum Art Fair . Art Basel Week . Miami, 2014-2015
BOCA RATON MUSEUM OF ART . All Florida Show . 2012
Miami Dade County . Hispanic Art Expressions . Miami, 2008
Sister Cities Int’l Expo . Tower Theatre . Miami 2007-09
Wynwood Hispanic Heritage Art Exhibit . 2008
Broward College Artspace . Viva Broward . 2008
miArte Gallery . 85@85 Show . Miami . 2006-09
Diego Victoria Fine Art Gallery . N. Miami Beach . 2005

SELECTED
SHOWS:






7th Invitational Art Show . Lauderdale Yacht Club . 2014
Beaux Arts Festival . Coral Gables FL . 2007-08
Las Olas Art Festival . Fort Lauderdale . 2007
South Miami Art Festival . 2006-2008
Key Biscayne Art Festival . 2007-08
Delray Beach Art Festival . 2007

PRESS:








VoyageMIA - Interview . April 2020
MSN.com - Interview . March 2012
UNIVISION National TV Live Unveiling . February 7, 2011
Art Guide Miami . Jan 2011
Miami Modern Luxury Magazine . Top Event for Nov 2009
DUO Magazine . Sept 2009
Art Business News . Nov 2007
Miami Herald . May 2005
Libre Magazine . March 2005