The 18th century building known as Casa de los Condes de Peñalver has history as a post office, bank and school, but perhaps is better known for its current state as the house of The Wifredo Lam Contemporary Art Center- or Centro de Arte Contemporaneo Wifredo Lam. This state-run art center is considered to be not only one of Havana’s best art galleries, but one of its most important. It seems that this gallery was built to be important; in 1983 it was created for the study, research and promotion of contemporary visual arts in developing countries of Africa, Latin America, Asia and the Caribbean. The global works of the Second and Third-World are showcased through many exhibitions both inside and outside Cuba, and the variety of manifestations of visual art like: sculpture, printmaking, drawing, installation, painting, photography, video and architecture. All of these types of visual art add up to about 1,000 pieces in the building- collected from donations, purchases and prize-winning works from the Havana Art Biennials.
This art center in Cuba was named for renowned artist Wifredo Lam who we learned a bit about in the previous modules. Of all the historic and influential Cuban artists, why do you think the gallery was named after Lam? Why not another important artist like Fidelio Ponce de Leon? I think the reason may be not only because of Lam’s talent and vision, but his passion for his cultural heritage as Afro-Chinese. In the interview with Wifredo Lam’s son, his son talks about how meeting Picasso, who encouraged Wifredo to embrace his ancestry, caused his father to delve into more African inspired art. Looking at some of Lam’s paintings shown in the art center, one can easily see the influence via the shapes, colors and arrangements.
Another important aspect of this cultural center is that it is the organizer of the international art fairs known as the Havana Art Biennials. The Biennial is actually considered to be the art center’s main project. Thousands of artists from these focused regions (Africa, Latin America, Asia and the Caribbean) have had art exhibited during this event. We saw one such work for the Biennial in the video “Wrinkles in the City”, which focused on the elderly people of Havana. It is also during this event that the art world of curators, art critics, museum directors, collectors and gallerists have the opportunity to come together and exchange ideas.
What kind of impact do you think the Wifredo Lam Contemporary Art Center has on the people of Cuba? On people of the world? What are you most excited to see/experience in Cuba in regards to art? I’m looking forward to seeing you all in Havana! :)
Also, if anyone wants to check it out: the Wifredo Lam Contemporary Art Center is 3 CUC for admission and it’s open 10am-5pm Monday through Saturday. It’s located just off Cathedral Square in Old Havana.
This looks absolutely stunning. I’m mesmerized by the photos you included in your post. I did my post on Muraleando, and I’m excited to see as much art from non-Western artists as possible. I think it’s going to be very special to see the work done by people who weren’t famous when the painting was created, especially pieces that were done by artists who didn’t necessarily think it would be shared with the world. I think that fact leaves a sort of vulnerability. I’m sure there’s a lot of pride and hard work in all the paintings. I’m surprised the cost isn’t higher. I think the center is a source of pride for the community as the artwork is done by Cubans to showcase their country and the connection shared with other non-Western countries. It probably helps the economy too.
ReplyDeleteHey Rebecca, I love this art center, just from the pictures alone you grabbed my attention. I feel that since this art center has contributed to international art in the 20th century. Wifredo impacts a lot of people in Cuba because after reading your blog it was obvious that Lam’s distinctive style and exploration of Afro-Cuban visual culture is what made him have a huge impact on the art world. I am sure that through his work, Lam was able to challenge assumptions about non-European art and examine the effects of colonialism.
ReplyDeleteHi Rebecca,
ReplyDeleteI think there is a lot of history behind this place and definitely worth visiting. It is amazing how this place has transitioned from a bank to a post office to a school and now to an art museum. The walls of this place must tell many stories! How fascinating! I also love how they accept art from second and third world countries! I think this place has a major impact on the people of Cuba because this art represents their heritage. It's truly amazing to see something that represents your heritage because it's a part of you and you have a sense of connection to it.