Blog #2 "Los Carpinteros"

The political situation in Cuba has a large influence on the kind of art that is being produced and artistic movements that occur in response to politics. Before Castro’s reign, Cuban art was demonized by a capitalistic buyer mentality. The market for art was not able to be used for private interest, but rather to promote national interest. When Castro came to power, Cuban art came to life, with its revolution influence, people were allowed to express themselves more freely. This resulted in the Havana Gallery, a place where Cuban artists auctioned off their work. It was organized by the National Museum of Fine Arts and the Bonfil Gallery. Unfortunately, the gallery closed during the socio-economic crisis in the 1990s. Because of the embargo that was put in place, many Cuban art institutions simply didn’t have the means to keep their doors open. Simultaneously, the art market opened up to foreign buyers who inflated prices of Cuban art. 

When the Soviet Union collapsed in the early 1990’s Castro was forced to legalize the US dollar and open up the island to tourism. Many Cuban artists sell their artwork in open-air markets on the streets of Havana.  Barely any Cubans can afford the art, but tourists can. To this day many Cubans make a living off tourism. Artists such as Omar Goygachea sell pieces for seventy to eighty dollars. What might seem like a very cheap piece of work to them is valued by tourists? As for the more famous artists in Cuba, they also got started when Castro took power. Many rich Cuban home owners abandoned their houses and fled to America. “Los Carpinteros” used the materials from the abandoned houses to make sculptures and paintings. Some of their earliest work includes a painting of them playing golf at the Old Havana Country Club with sticks instead of golf clubs. Los Carpinteros made smart and funny art poking fun at the socialist system. One of their most famous pieces of work is the model of Cuban buildings in the form of tents. It has traveled all around the world, from Shanghai to Los Angeles. 

For many of Los Carpinteros art shows they are present, but for the first time ever they were not granted visas to enter the United States. Their show will go on, however, the two will not be there to display their artwork. This is just another example of how Cuba’s relationship with the US is still a fragile one. The US has cracked down on travel laws making it difficult for Cubans to travel to the United States. Although they may not be able to come here, I am very grateful to have the opportunity to go there and experience all that Cuba’s art scene has to offer first hand.