Yubal Márquez Fleites

Yubal Márquez Fleites is a Cuban-American artist, curator, photographer, poet, entrepreneur, and decorated U.S. Army veteran whose work bridges creativity, community, and service. He is the founder and director of YMF Contemporary & Fine Art, a leading contemporary art gallery in Southampton, New York.

Yubal served eight years in the United States Army, an experience that profoundly shaped his worldview, instilling discipline, resilience, and a lifelong commitment to service. Following his military career, he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing and a Juris Doctor, deepening his understanding of advocacy, justice, and leadership — values that continue to guide his work in the arts and in philanthropic initiatives.

From a young age, Yubal demonstrated an unshakable passion for creativity. He began his curatorial career by founding Arte Collective, an initiative initially focused on providing exhibition opportunities for underrepresented and emerging voices in the art world. Over the years, this mission evolved, expanding to support artists and to foster dialogue between art, culture, and community.

His own artistic practice — spanning photography, poetry, and conceptual work — reflects a deep engagement with themes of identity, heritage, and human connection. Beyond his creative pursuits, Yubal has been recognized with numerous honors, including multiple Curatorial Awards, International Marketing and Creative Awards (USH Idea Awards, FIAP, El Sol), and distinctions such as the Army Service Medal, the UNESCO Distinguished Youth Award, and the Presidential Academic Fitness Award.

As a Board Member of the Sun River Health Foundation, he brings a unique combination of artistic vision, entrepreneurial expertise, and service-driven leadership, working to strengthen the Foundation’s mission of advancing equitable healthcare access and building healthier communities.