Exhibition Of Rare Cuban Artworks

Man with a character: A photograph of Don Alejandron Robaina by Esteban E.Diaz.

Collection represents works by different generations of artists

WHAT do the best cigars and the sultry salsa have in common? They are both synonymous with Cuba.

"The cigar and salsa music or dance need no introduction when it comes to Cuba.

"But we also have a strong art movement in the country," said Cuban Ambassador to Malaysia Pedro Monzon Barata.

Barata said artists from each province in the country belonged to a visual art council which helped to promote their artworks.

This week, Malaysians will have a chance to view some of these works as the Embassy has brought in a large collection of artworks by a group of Cuban visual artists.

Entitled Independence, Presumption and Convergence: A Homage to Malaysia's Independence through Cuban Art, the exhibition features more than 100 pieces by 40 Cuban artists. Also included in the exhibition are photos taken by their local photographer.

The artists are from Pinar del Rio province on the western part of the island.

The exhibition will be held at Balai Seni Maybank in Kuala Lumpur from tomorrow until June 22.

"This is the first time the collection is going on display outside Cuba and it is a chance for Malaysians to see them. It is our way of paying homage to Malaysia's 50th Independence celebration," Barata said at the press conference for the exhibition.

Also present at the press conference, held at Menara Maybank on Thursday, were exhibition curator Ricardo Ruiz Cordova and one of the artists, Carlos Ulises Bretana Hevia.

The collection represents a wide variety of styles executed in various mediums.

According to Barata, the collection represented works by different generations of Cuban artists, reflecting their own experiences, techniques and concepts, The works reflect the country's landscape, people and culture.

"A common theme in the collection is the cigar, which has become part of life in Pinar del Rio province. Pinar del Rio is known to produce the best cigars in the world," he said.

"Viewers will see the theme represented in various ways in the artwork& and especially life in the tobacco plantation," he said.

The collection even features Don Alejandm Robaina, dubbed "the king of tobacco", Robaina was photographed by Estaban E. Diaz.

Several of the paintings feature the serene landscape of the province, Scenes of green valleys with palm trees and rivers are particularly soothing, Also featured are abstract pieces.

Asked about the meaning of the title for the exhibition, Barata said it represented the independence of the artists' creativity in their work in paying homage to Malaysia's 50^th Independence celebration.

"This is an opportunity for us to converge with Malaysians at art galleties and, hopefully, these artworks will provide a link to strengthen our bilateral relationship," he said.

The artworks are also for sale with part of the proceeds to be donated to charity.

The pieces are priced between RM3,500 and RM14,000.

A link to strengthen ties: First Barata (right) with Carlos Ulises Bretana Hevia, one of the artists whose works will go on display.

Vibrant: A painting by Ulises Bretana entitled 'La Viajera', which will be among the pieces on display.

Serena: A scene of a valley with palm trees, reflecting the landscape in Pinar del Rio province, Cuba.


Oil painting: An oil painting by Raul Garcia entitled 'Paisaje 2', which will be on display.