- Artists
from Remedios
- The
second section of this exhibit examines artists from Remedios, a small colonial town that
is part of Cuba's provincial charm. A rambling town of 20,000, its winding streets
may have more horse drawn carriages and bicycle cabs than autos at any given moment.
Yet in spite of it's quaintness, Remedios is home to several interesting artists;
some of which practice the Afro Cuban religion of Santería, whose symbolism and energy
feature prominently in their works.
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-
 
- Manuel Méndez
- Babalú Ayé
- (San Lorenzo- god of health), 2002
- oil on canvas, 21" x 15.5"
- Amit May Collection
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- Manuel Méndez
- Changó
- (Santa Barbara- god of thunder), 2002
- oil on canvas, 21" x 15.5"
- collection of the artist
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Mr. Méndez is an active practitioner of Santería, the Afro Cuban religion dating back to
the early Yoruba dynasties of West Africa. A testament to modernity, this recent
series of paintings are titled "Spirits of the gods watching over the world."
In these works memory is a skilled seducer, as surreal eyes watch, linking symbols
of the past with the presence of today.
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- Manuel Rodriguez Bello
- From My Spirit, 2002
- oil on canvas, 40" x 28"
- collection of the artist
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- Manuel Rodriguez Bello
- Possessions on My Back, 2002
- oil on canvas, 40" x 28"
- collection of the artist
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Also a practitioner of Santería, Mr. Bello's art
weaves a rich tapestry of symbolism
and rituality. Here the veneration of orishas and saints dominate, with offerings
of lush tropical fruits and other elements prominently displayed. Afro Cuban
Santería is a unique blend of African rituals and Catholicism, brought to the island
almost 500 years ago with the arrival of African slaves. As in other Caribbean
cultures, it has changed to persevere, yet reflects it's original sources, those of West
Africa. Today it is a testament to the unique culture African slaves brought with
them to the "New World."
-
 
- Robinson Rodriguez
- The Events, 2001
- oil on canvas, 18" x 17"
- Amit May Collection
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- Robinson Rodriguez
- untitled, 2002
- oil on canvas, 48" x 32"
- collection of the artist
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I discovered
Mr. Rodriguez' art in a small collective show in town. His works easily stood out as
some of the best in that exhibit. Being a scant 19
years old, he is still going to art school, and was away taking classes. I spoke to
his family, who for good reason is very proud of their son and hopes he will have a
successful art career in Cuba. What I find most intriguing about his works, are not
only the technical accomplishments, but also the maturity and social commentary they
reflect. Like some of the more experienced artists in Havana, Mr. Rodriguez also had
difficulty with censorship, and his use of the clown is an apt metaphor for what
frequently goes on between officials and artists. To find this level of artistic
expression, in a young artist living in the provinces, is remarkable indeed.
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