about

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Humberto Lahera González was born in Holguín, Cuba, in 1989. At the age of five, his family recognized his artistic talent, and by the age of nine, he began studying painting professionally at a private academy, developing skills in painting techniques, perspective, and human anatomy. During his early adolescence, between the ages of 12 and 14, he had already mastered techniques rooted in the European Renaissance schools.

He was selected to attend the “El Alba” Academy of Fine Arts in Holguín, Cuba, as one of only eight students admitted from his province out of over 1,000 applicants. His acceptance marked the beginning of a new stage in his artistic development.

Due to the lack of access to quality art materials, Humberto decided to study how to make his own. With only a book from the academy’s library as a resource, he copied it entirely by hand, lacking access to a scanner, camera, or the internet. This led him to develop the skills to craft brushes from animal hair, varnishes from tree resin and beeswax, and pigments in the traditional style of the old European masters.
During his academic training, he was recognized as the best student for four consecutive years and graduated with Cum Laude Honors.

In 2009, he began working as an art teacher before launching his career as an independent artist, creating impactful works and large-scale murals in Cuba. His work expanded further as he began restoring antiques for major Cuban museums, using his deep technical knowledge to bring back to life artworks over 200 years old.
His passion and attention to detail led him to be deeply influenced by hyperrealism, which became a foundational element in the projects he began from that point onward.

In August 2022, he emigrated to the United States, starting from scratch with great challenges and aspirations. Exposure to a new culture had a profound effect on his work, and his art began to reflect a fusion of both identities. The city of Louisville, the culture of Kentucky, and American society as a whole embraced him, shaping his evolving style and inspiring personal growth that became visible in his work.

Throughout his artistic career, he has exhibited in distinguished galleries, leading corporations, museums, and prominent institutions.
Since his arrival in the United States, he has had a profound impact on the Kentucky art scene, achieving notable recognition in a short time.

Most recently, in 2025, Lahera was selected as the Official Artist of the 151st Kentucky Derby to represent Woodford Reserve, the event’s main sponsor and one of the most prestigious beverage companies under Brown-Forman Corporation, with a global impact. His artwork was featured on millions of bourbon bottles distributed worldwide, marking a historic milestone.

This prestigious honor cements his legacy within the Derby’s artistic tradition. He was also chosen as the official artist for the Governor’s Derby Poster, appointed by Governor Andy Beshear, becoming the first Latino in history to receive this distinction, and the first Cuban artist to leave his mark on Derby history.

He has been featured in several major U.S. media outlets, including Forbes, Fox News, NBC, Yahoo News, and Forbes Breaking News, solidifying his status as a rising public figure in the American art world.