Independent Cuban Cinema

       I recently came across an interesting series of short films directed by Eduardo Del Llano, with notable actors Luis Alberto Garcia, and Nestor Jiménez. Taking into account the transformation of  Cuban Cinema as a weapon of social propaganda during the 1960s, or the foreign film makers who aim to portray Cuba for an exile audience, these films explore Cuban life and culture through a rather nonpartisan lens.  The creators seek an artistic, humorous reality that is genuine to the island.

        Luis Alberto Garcia plays different characters through these numerous short films, however he maintains the name of Nicanor, while  Nestor Jiménez appropriates the alias of Rodrigo. This particular clip below develops around an investigation of pain by  European Contemporary artists "Rodrigo", who aims to capture 100 photographs of Cuba's most renounced artists, however they must show evidence of  physical pain because "the agony of an artists is invisible to the eye". Rodrigo hires Nicanor, a working class man, as the torturer who is to inflict the injuries on       the 100 artist who desperately want to appear in Rodrigo's work. 

        This next clip provides a sarcastic, and     humorous critique on Cuba's freedom of speech, lack of individual privacy,  and resources. Enjoy!

       







      The following clip takes place in the Cuba of the 1970s: a time on which the first generation who became of age with the Revolution felt optimistic, and passionate about the ideals of socialism and their new
 government. I will continue to share material on this series on upcoming blogs. Enjoy!

Contemporary Art

        Contemporary Art is very similar to wine. There are numerous producers around the world, its quality and prices travels the extremes, and very few have developed a sophisticated enough taste  to enjoy it. Art has always been the avant-garde force of humanity, but has Contemporary Art progressed so rapidly that nor the artist or critics are able to explain it to the general public?

Untitled Installation, Habana Bienial 2012
The Royal Palm ( Cuba's national tree) hangs horizontally
in pieces, empty and loaded with soft lighting.

      One of the most common phrases expressed in Galleries today is "that is not art, I can do that". A phrase so rhetorical that the Frost Art Museum has dedicated an entire exhibit showcasing the paradox of 21st century art. Traditionally, art was admired by the an artists' ability to execute a design, which aesthetic and ideals combined to portray a message. Artists obeyed certain rules and mastered techniques. 

Untitled, Habana Biennial 2012
Heroes of Cuba wrapped and dismembered riding a carriola( rustic scooter)
between the gallery spaces of El Morro Castle. 

      Contemporary Art follows no rules, does not have a defined medium nor necessarily requires skill or direct contact with the artist, subjects are not defined, it does not need a title nor narrative,  and its patrons don't necessary understand what they are buying. The only characteristic left in today's art is the philosophical problem behind it. As a results, the definition of the art of our time in the global context on which it manifest is as vague as the works themselves.