Moroccans recently had the opportunity to delve into the vibrant world of Cuban art at an exhibition showcasing works by 23 Cuban artists. Titled “From the other side of the Atlantic: Cuban Art,” the event provided a unique window into the rich and diverse artistic landscape of Cuba.
Abdelaziz el-Idrissi, the curator of the Rabat museum hosting the exhibition, expressed the intention behind the initiative: to expose Moroccans to art from faraway corners of the world. “We have initiated discussions with other countries to provide Moroccans the opportunity to see what’s happening beyond the Mediterranean,” he explained.
The exhibition celebrated the diversity and creativity of Cuban art, offering visitors a curated selection of paintings, photography, sculptures, installations, and videos. According to el-Idrissi, the works showcased a wide range of mediums and techniques, highlighting the versatility of Cuban artistic expression.
The exhibition followed the evolution of Cuban art through three sections, each illuminating different facets of Cuban artistic expression. “This exhibition modestly retraces the journey of Cuban art since the 1930s,” el-Idrissi remarked.
The first section paid homage to Wifredo Lam, a pivotal figure in Cuban art history. Featuring pieces from Lam’s grand-nephew, Juan A. Castillo Vázquez, this section focused on the developments in Cuban art between 1936 and 1958. Additionally, works by artists Loló Soldevilla and Sandú Darié, known for their innovation in abstract art during the 1950s, were also showcased, alongside contemporary Cuban art from the 20th century.
Hosted at the Mohammed VI Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, the exhibition made its debut in Morocco last month, garnering surprise and appreciation from visitors like Antoine Ansar. “This exhibition is, above all, a surprise. I didn’t expect to find Cuban artists in Rabat,” Ansar remarked after visiting the show.