Juan Francisco Elso Padilla Cuban, 1956-1988

Juan Francisco Elso (1956–1988) was a Cuban artist known for his work in drawing, painting, engraving, sculpture, and installations. Using primarily natural materials, his sculptures explored Cuban, Caribbean, and Latin American identities, particularly in regards to Afro-Cuban religious and motifs.

He studied at the Escuela Nacional de Bellas Artes "San Alejandro" (1972) and the Escuela Nacional de Arte (1972–1976) in Havana. During the 1970s and 1980s, he also taught at the 20 de Octubre School of Arts.