Derwin Leiva was born in Santa Clara, Cuba. In 2004 Leiva moved to Hawaii where he made his way into the progressive art scene and attended University of Hawaii Manoa to attain his BFA with a sculpture concentration. He developed a unique art style with a great sense of artistic freedom. His work has a cubism inspired approach with a surrealist composition that is marked by a classic sense of balance. Using suggestive colors and fragmented shapes, Leiva brings out details, protrusions and light effects. He creates in his work a motifs of bohemian night life and architectural landscape with a distinctive style and unmistakable touch of music.

Growing up in Cuba, music was part of my life. Listening to music and dancing was a way to forget, even if just for a moment, about the necessities of daily life. Although my work has been influenced by artist like Picasso, Boccioni, and Wifredo Lam; Cuban music has always been a constant backdrop to my work. Through the use of rhythm and motion in my work, I want to mirror the experience of freedom found through Cuban music.