University of Dallas News

Issue date: 11/13/07 Section: News

This piece by Agustin Bejarano is currently in the exhibition

On Nov. 2, the Beatrice M. Haggerty Art Gallery proudly hosted an opening reception for "Historias," a temporary exhibition of Cuban art. The exhibit features pieces that explore the artists' memories of life in Cuba. The artwork was generously loaned by Pan American Art Projects, an organization that strives to represent art and culture of North and South America from both established and newly-emerging artists. Friday's opening reception featured a gallery talk by Caroline Finlay, Assistant Director of Pan American Art Projects.

Historias artistically depicts the effects of constant revolution in Cuba, a country that has struggled for independence for over 500 years. Even after gaining independence from Spain, Cuba has faced slave riots and revolts, economic domination and the devastating effects of socialism. "What we have in this exhibit is a manifestation of the repressions of the Cuban people," said Finlay.

The artists featured in this exhibit are all in their 30s, so all experienced the Cold War and drastic economic downturn in Cuba. Their experiences have lasted with them to this day. Finlay spoke of one Cuban family who recalled grilling and eating pieces of carpet in a bitter struggle to survive.

Although some of the artists fled to the United States, others remained in Cuba. Their art reflects the mixed emotions tied to their country. Artist Elsa Mora fled Cuba, and his artwork expresses the pain and loss of leaving his homeland and family members behind. Sandra Ramos, however, chose to stay in Cuba even when the rest of her family left. Her pieces depict the pain and joy of staying in a country that she felt was a part of her very being. One picture depicts her body as part of the land itself, showing her intimate connection to her homeland.

Other artists, such as Carlos Estevez, use puppetlike imagery to focus on the ways in which the outer world affects and controls the inner workings of the mind. "This work shows a desire to deal with the mind because the artists have experienced such a bankruptcy of hope," explained Finlay. "These people had grown up being promised utopia, but it never came, and they had to search for truth in other places: inside of themselves."

According to Finlay, the quality of materials used is one major difference between Cuban art and art produced in the United States. While Americans are very concerned with using the perfect materials in each artistic creation, artists in Cuba must make do with whatever they can obtain, explained Finlay. The scarcity of high-quality art materials forces Cuban artists to be creative and resourceful, making use of whatever they are lucky enough to find. One piece in the exhibit is created on a background of old newspaper. Another includes common household objects in its artistic design. Although they cannot always find ideal materials, the artists' passionate love for their country is enough to overcome all challenges, and their heartfelt emotions shine through in the work that is produced.

Historias will be exhibited in the Haggerty Art Gallery until Dec. 9. Gallery hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon-Fri and 12-5 p.m. Sat-Sun.

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