University of New England

Cuba Hearts and Minds
Past and Present
May 21 - July 22, 2007

Jose Bedia, "Jibaro"

Detail from "The History of the Bay of Pigs" by Joan Gardner

Programs
Two days of programs: films, lectures and panel discussions.
July 17-18
More information

Exhibition
Cuba is an island that awakens all manner of ardent passions with the very mention of the word.  Its cultural gifts are legion, a rich legacy of music and dance, and most especially the visual arts – film, paintings, photography, prints, mixed media and sculpture.

Perhaps it is the size of this country in the Caribbean, well over 1,000 miles long.  Or its history as a playground for American gangsters and people of privilege alike.  Maybe it is the rich mixture of races among its citizens, Africans, Spaniards and Chinese predominantly.  Or the legacy of Castro, the Communist populist who has ruled Cuba and aroused such strong feelings in our own country so nearby for so long.

This exhibition will explore this extraordinary island through many of its contemporary artists, including works by Sandra Ramos, Arturo Montoto, Wilfredo Lam, Jose Bedia, Blanca Acelia Escalante, Osvaldo Salas, Eduardo Casada, Kcho, Augustin Bejerano, Miguel Lobainas and Joel Jover. 

Cuba’s palate of colors, its landscapes, animals, people and politics are portrayed in many mediums.  In addition, North American artists’ work will be featured as well.  One notable work is a nine foot long ceramic tile entitled "The History of the Bay of Pigs" by Joan Gardner of Middleburg, Va.  Other artists include Virginia Valdes, Marta Morse, Barbara Goodbody and Karen Dietrich.

Accompanying the exhibition will be contemporary Cuban music and film presentations.