SHIP OF FOOLS: EDGAR SANCHEZ CUMBAS

Table Conflict, 2025

Tempus Projects is pleased to present the solo exhibition SHIP OF FOOLS by Edgar Sánchez Cumbas, a Puerto Rican–born mixed-media artist whose vibrant, sculptural abstractions explore colorism, identity, and cultural memory. 

The exhibition runs from August 7 through September 18, 2025, with a public artist reception on Friday, September 5, at Tempus Projects in the historic Kress Building, 1624 E. 7th Ave., Ybor City.

This exhibition features new and recent works that push Cumbas’ ongoing investigations into skin tone, cultural bias, and layered identity. Raised between Puerto Rico, the South Bronx, and Central Florida, Cumbas creates richly textured works that blend painting, illustration, and found materials. His practice investigates how skin tone and social hierarchies are encoded in visual culture. 

“My current paintings have an immediate brightness and allure that momentarily masks their disquieting content,” Cumbas said. “Living in Florida has invigorated my art and given it a particular American light—ironic, hopeful, and fraught.”

Cumbas earned an MFA from the Massachusetts College of Art and Design and a BFA from SCAD. His work has appeared at the SCAD Museum of Art, Tampa Museum of Art, Ringling Museum, and HCC Gallery 221.

ARTIST RECEPTION :: FRIDAY, SEPT 5, 6-9PM

1624 E. 7TH AVE., YBOR CITY

*******

Tempus Projects is dedicated to nurturing established and emerging local, national, and international artists through exhibitions, collaborations, residencies, and events. Our non-profit organization promotes artists working in all media, and develops, organizes, and hosts exhibitions that engage the Tampa Bay community through the arts.

Our vision is to foster a vibrant and critical arts nexus that connects grassroots efforts to an international arts dialogue through innovative, equitable programming. Tempus Projects is committed to inclusion, accessibility, collaboration, innovation, and integrity.