Cuban Art is More Than Just Art
Many Spanish speaking countries went through a period of art and literature called “Modernismo” where “art was for the sake of art”. During this period, a purpose for pieces of artwork was no longer seen as a necessity. This resulted in the birth of new themes and forms of artwork rarely produced prior to this period, such as exoticism. Interestingly, it appears this period never influenced the country of Cuba like it did the rest of Latin America. In fact, according to Cuban Art History by Mark Schneider, independent Cuban art has always had a deeper meaning behind it as much of the art was influenced by the Cuban people's struggle for freedom and sense of identity. For Fidelio Ponce de Leon, many of his paintings reflected this struggle and focused on issues such as poverty, sickness, and alienation such as the painting “La Familia” or “Ninos” as seen in E&M Art “Fidelio Ponce de Leon”. Additionally, for Wilfred Lam, his art was a way for him to discover his individual identity expressing his African and Chinese ancestors through his work, something that was not supported by the Cuban government. It was really surprising to me when reading Cuban Art, that many artists opted to leave their home country and pursue their passion for art in exile, solely to create pieces of true meaning to them, rather than something sponsored by the government. According to Art in a Changing Cuba by Natania Remba, “the government accepted or rejected [art] — in accordance with their own standards”, promoting national culture rather than the individual artists. For this reason, I believe that the political situation on the island has influenced artistic movements as many artists, like in the 20th century, have created art to express their desires for democracy and liberation from oppression. The work of Los Carpentaros is an example of this, as they continually critique the government with humor. Although being cut-off from the rest of the world has caused many Cubans to find their voices in less conventional ways, it has only increased the world’s desire for their art, especially in the United States, as seen in Cuba’s Art Scene Awaits a Travel Boom by Victoria Burnett. Overall, I feel that Cuban art is unique in many senses. Contrary to the rest of the world, Cuban art has progressed with little external influence and is a representation of the citizen's struggles over time. Cuban art serves as the only true outlet for expression under an oppressive government, magnifying its significance to the Cuban people. With that said, what effects has Fidel’s passing had on the freedom of expression in Cuba? Do you think this will cause a new wave of artistic movements? Furthermore, with the world’s new interest in Cuban art, do you think issues of cultural appropriation will arise as people buy art not understanding nor appreciating the historical struggle behind it?
Ingrid,
ReplyDeleteI believe that since art has been less censored in Cuba, it also has had a deep meaning toward the artists. I believe that similar to the Latin American countries that went through periods of "art for arts sake", Cuban art had less meaning when it was censored. The reason that Cuban artists have always expressed deeper meanings through their art relates to how much they have struggled. I believe that they have so much to say, that it is hard for them just to make a more meaningless piece of art. I also think that their art is so powerful, because as you stated, it is one of their only ways to express themselves. I believe that Fidel's passing will allow more freedom in Cuban art. As Bruguera states, "she wants a new law protecting freedom of speech". I believe that Cuban art will continue to grow and have new artistic movements until this freedom is achieved. Also, to answer your second question, I do believe that cultural appropriation will occur with the purchase of Cuban art by tourists. If it weren't for this class, I wouldn't understand the issues that Cuba has gone through and unfortunately I think that not many tourists do this much research before they travel.
Hi Molly,
DeleteI totally agree with you when you mentioned how art has less meaning when its censored. I think this is because, in a way, censorship tells someone what they can and can't do, which takes away a sense of creativity and in turn uniqueness to an artist's work. However, I think I disagree with you when you mentioned how Fidel's passing will allow more freedom in Cuban art because he was out of rule 10 years before he passed and nothing really changed then. I think because his brother Raul shares the same ideals as Fidel, that nothing is going to change right away, but I do think something may be coming soon as the people and artists of Cuba seem to be done having their freedom restricted. Also, I find the concept of not allowing freedom of speech pointless because restricting people from doing it in no way stops them. Do you have any idea why the country is still so strict about freedom of speech, even though they clearly can't control it?
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ReplyDeleteI think Fidel's death hasn't changed Cuban art too much. True, some artists have become more bold after his passing, like Tania Bruguera, but the country still remains in opposition of political art. Both leaders after Fidel upheld the idea that Cubans cannot criticize the government in their art. Any artist who does has been detained. I do worry that this will discourage Cubans from trying to change their country, and possibly even discourage Cuban immigrants if they see that change isn't being made. As far as cultural appropriation goes, I think it is absolutely likely that this will happen. Now that Cuba is less isolated, and people can visit, I fear that Cuba may become a hipster aesthetic that people just use without appreciating the culture or understanding the human struggles behind it. I also fear that Cubans and Cuban-Americans will let it happen to make money by selling their own art. This may be done initially to help themselves and bring awareness to Cuban struggles, but not everyone will understand the message behind the art and thus artists may inadvertently exploit their country and their own struggles. Do you think the Cuban government will began to outsource the art in order to make money for the nation?
ReplyDeleteHi Rebecca,
DeleteI agree with you when you mentioned how Cuban's may start selling their art to whoever has money rather than to people who actually cherish their creations. This makes me sad to think about because Cuban's have gone through so much. And to answer your question, I'm not sure if the Cuban government will outsource art to make money for the nation if Raul is in power. I think for something like that to occur, there would either need to be a more open minded leader or the country would have to have no allies they could go to for economic help.
Ingrid:
ReplyDeleteI love this blog, Personally I feel that yes I think issues of cultural appropriation will arise as people buy art not understanding nor appreciating the historical struggle behind it. The reason behind my opinion is because I feel that there is already a misunderstanding of cultural appropriation now. Although there is no one to blame, cultural appropriation has been a big thing within the past 5 years. Cuba is a country that is known for its history so when someone goes to Cuba to buy an art work that someone painted and thinks its cute and that's the reason for buying it, there's a misunderstanding because no matter where you are, there is a meaning behind every artists work. Once an artists picks up a brush, pen or pencil, there is meaning behind that work. Therefore, it is important that you mentioned this in your blog because no just in Cuba but anywhere people visit, appreciating the history and meaning behind things is very important.
Hi Brianda,
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with what your saying! A lot of the time people forget that their is an individual, society, religion, or culture that has created the things they find interesting or appealing. This is clearly a big issue within our country as we tend to try and silence minority groups. I think a lot of people who come from a very privileged, which is generally white/European, don't realize when their exploiting a culture as its never their culture that is being taken advantage of.