Guerrero returned to Cuba in 1988 where he resumed his job as an artisan
specializing in painting, engraving woodcarving, sculpting and metal work. Feeling
increasingly oppressed by Cuba’s government, and unhappy with the worsening
living conditions, Antonio, along with two other men, climbed into a raft they
had secretly designed and built. Floating off from the coast of Matanzas, they
were at sea for five days before being rescued and brought to the U.S..
While he has resided in the United States Guerrero has
encountered many challenges that have inspired his artistic expression.
Guerrero creates art in phases, his subject matter is based on the episodes
and emotional stages of his life,and the assortment of media he uses reflects
and expressionistic style. He paints with acrylics as well as oils, explores line
design with pencils, and uses mixed media to create montages. His
experimenting in styles increases the originality of his work.
In january of 1995 Guerrero’s “Balseros del 92”, (“The Rafters of 92”)
was exhibited at Vanidades Gallery in Miami ,Fl..This painting was part of a
collection donated to the Jose Marti Foundation in order to raised money for
Florida International University student scholarships. This portrait of himself
along with his cousin and friend fleeing Cuba was said to best commemorate
the occasion. On may 17,1996 Guerrero’s work was exhibited by U.S Rep.
Ileana Ros-Lehtinen in Washington D.C. as a part of the “Cubans in exile”
exhibit.
Guerrero desires to exhibit his work as a display of Cuban expressionism.
In order to celebrate his origins he does not wish to merely display “Cuban
Art”,but the work of a young Cuban artist.