Local residents will soon have a unique chance to meet three dynamic Cubans who will be at the GX Gallery, Denmark Hill, in the opening days of an exhibition of the work of 30 Cuban artists.
From October 6th-29th, Presente! Contemporary Art from Cuba will show almost 50 artworks giving a snapshot of cultural life in Cuba today – the value placed on artistic expression; the fun and ideas shared between artists and their communities at street events and art festivals; and how artists express the concerns discussed by all Cubans. The exhibition will contain the broadest range of Cuban art ever to be shown in London, covering the work of three generations and a range of media. As art in Cuba does not stay in galleries but takes to the streets, the visiting artists will prioritise getting out and about.
Cuba’s culture is not just about music and dance – the visual arts have a high profile.
The free education received by all Cubans, at all levels, makes for art that is burning a path on the world stage. Cuban artists Luis Enrique Camejo and Adislen Reyes Pino and curator Chrislie Perez will be in the Gallery, as well as education centres in South London, to share how they trained as artists; what art gives to everyone’s life in Cuba and to discuss the works on exhibition.
Camejo is well known internationally for his cinematic city scapes. Adislen Reyes Pino is a young feminist graphic artist, painter and engraver. The African presence in Cuban culture is evident in the work of Afro- Cuban artists exhibiting such as Roberto Diago Durruthy who often works with jute, a material associated with slavery. Lisandra Garcia presents work expressing elements of the daily life of a teenager whilst Lesbia Vent Dumois has been in the forefront of Cuban artistic life for decades. Renowned engraver Eduardo Salazar draws on African traditions and photographer Ernesto Fernandez records pivotal events in Cuba’s history such as the defeat of mercenaries at the Bay of Pigs.
A surge of interest in Cuban art has been registered internationally, and especially in the USA, ever since the visit to Cuba of President Obama. However, the US government’s economic blockade continues, making artists’ materials difficult to obtain. For this reason, the exhibition is a not for profit event sponsored by the UK charity the Music Fund for Cuba. Any surplus from sales will go towards a new Fund to provide materials for art education across the island.
Take a look at a buzzing art scene and meet the Cubans.
¡PRESENTE! Contemporary Art from Cuba will take place 6-29 October 2016 at GX Gallery, Denmark Hill, London SE5 8RS. www.gxgallery.com
www.gxgallery.com | www.presentecubanart.org | www.musicfundforcuba.org.uk
