Born in Maracay, in the state of Aragua, in 1973, Funes studied fine art after having first pursued a career in agriculture. Between 1995 and 2000 he studied at the renowned Armando Reveron Visual Arts School in Caracas, and from there went on to make his mark on the art scene, successfully entering and winning high praise and recognition in important juried and gallery shows throughout Venezuela, since 1993. Since 2002, he has exhibited in the United States through Solar (Hoffnung NY, 2002; Living in the Hamptons, 2004).