October 15, 2003 – February 18, 2004
Reinaldo Pagán Avila
Memorias de la Navigación
Memories of Sailing
In partnership with the Eastern Cuba Cultural Exchange, Meridian will present an exhibition of work by artists from the Oriente (eastern) region of Cuba beginning on October 15. Entitled Cuba Oriente: Contemporary Painting from Eastern Cuba, the exhibition includes 63 exceptionally rich and vibrant works from what is often described as the heartland of Cuban culture. At a distance of over 650 miles from Havana, the area is not well known by Americans in general, due to the complex relationship between Cuba and the United States. Cuba Oriente brings to light the stunning art of a colorful region.
The Eastern Cuba Cultural Exchange was founded by Clyde Hensley, whose travels and experiences in many countries and lifelong interest in art brought him to Eastern Cuba in 1995. Here he met many artists, working under difficult conditions with few materials, and became passionate about helping them to come out of their regional isolation. He has since made numerous trips to the area, working with artists, cultural centers, museums and art schools in Santiago and the surrounding provinces. He has helped to acquire and bring supplies and materials to them through the Global Tapestry Foundation and amassed a large and unique collection of art from the region. Also as a result of his work, artist exchanges have developed, supported by the Eastern Cuba Cultural Exchange. Several exhibitions have been brought to the United States, most recently to Oakland, California, where both the Oakland Museum of California and the Craft and Cultural Gallery displayed works from the collection. He is presently completing a documentary on the artists. The work from his collection is presented in Washington for the first time.
The ten participating artists span generations. Several of the artists are self-taught. Others include a former museum director, professors and graduates of the region's art academies. The works on display in Cuba Oriente vary in subject and style. Classical and modern styles intertwine and rich hues abound. Included are breathtaking landscapes, genre scenes, abstract works, surrealistic themes and richly imagined comments on life in Cuba. Oil, acrylic and woodcut are the primary mediums.
Aligning with Meridian's dedication to promoting international understanding through the exchange of people, ideas and the arts, the objective of the Eastern Cuba Cultural Exchange is to foster an environment of good will through the sharing of art and culture. In describing the motive of his continued passion for his Cuban project, Mr. Hensley says "working through the arts and cultural exchange offers us a unique opportunity to establish non-judgmental communication between the citizens of our long-divided societies... and helps to bring about an atmosphere of mutual respect which can only help to pave the road to understanding and reconciliation." He will be present at the press preview on October 14.
Supported by our partner : Domaine de l'Enclos investissement rentable immobilier prestige
