'2 + 2 = 5?' A Cuban street artist has launched a thought-provoking piece at an exhibition in Toronto

An exhibition of works by a famous Cuban street artist has entered its final phase at a Toronto gallery.

Mania X Super Malo by street artist and popular artist Fabian Hernandez features the artist's masked character in a series of witty and sometimes hilarious images.

Gallery Mania Contemporary is hosting a thought-provoking and limited-time exhibition that offers a golden look into the balaclava-clad world of Hernandez's Super Malo, on display until April 15.

Hernández has made a name for himself in Cuba through the striking socio-political commentary and iconic appearance of his artwork.

His “2+2=5?” The signature is scattered across the decaying colonial walls of Old Havana. The icon earned him recognition for going against the grain and planted him firmly on the international art scene, exhibiting in Stockholm and Paris and gaining a reputation before him.

Hernandez dabbled in graffiti through skateboarding.

“Over time, I realized what was wrong with me and society, so I used graffiti art as a means to express my feelings through what I saw and lived,” he told Now Toronto in an emailed statement.

Graffiti is illegal, but Hernandez's painted character represents the need for expression in a society that tries to squander it.

“My childish character is afraid of expressing words and saying '2+2=5 ?' A question mark means something is wrong and won't connect. The question mark is always on the left side of my character, on the side of his heart, to question whether what he sees or feels or thinks is correct as he searches for answers to the situations he faces every day,” explained Hernandez.

Hernández described art as “a very powerful tool for life and a wonderful medicine for humanity, social, political or spiritual”, and through graffiti he was able to open up the whole world.

“I am so grateful to Mania Contemporary Gallery for believing enough to bring me here to share my art and message with the world,” he continued.

“I'm glad Canadian audiences know the story of my art, the message it's trying to portray,” Hernandez concluded.

The 26-year-old continues to paint the streets of Havana with his colorful and socially conscious graffiti, transitioning into commercial multimedia work.
Hernandez's art can be viewed at Mania Contemporary gallery by appointment only or on their website at www.maniacontemporary.com.