The Arts in Cuba

Despite my bitching so far, we have had a nice time in Havana. The theme of this US State Department-sanctioned "People to People" visit (i.e. cultural exchange) is "the arts," and we enjoyed listening to a wonderful all-women orchestra play beautiful classical music (and got their CD too).

We visited the National Art Museum and were led on a tour by their director, and it was really fantastic (both the museum and the director). Unfortunately one is not allowed to take photos inside, but there were wonderful examples of 18th century colonial paintings, portraits, modern and post-modern art plus some fascinating pop-art on La Revolucion.

From there we visited the home-and-studio of Jose Fuster, considered the Picasso of Cuba. His home looks like Disneyland! Every square inch of the place is covered in ceramic tile painted by Fuster, and he has in fact tiled fences and homes of others in his neighborhood. Truly surreal.

That said, Fuster (above) is a fascinating person and his canvas paintings are fantastic. Debb bought one to bring back for our house.

We then toured the University of the Arts, a very selective art school and met several artists in their studios and viewed samples of their works. These folks were effusive about their art and quite inspiring.

 

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