Alex Mahoney: Blog Post #2
Wifredo Lam, Cuban music vs art, the influence of Castro’s support:
Having grown up going to art museums and having a continuous love for the arts, I enjoyed the content in this module greatly. Especially with what the people of Cuba were going through, it is interesting to see how their emotions were expressed through their art and how their styles changed throughout their lifetime.
One artist that caught my attention, and who I have learned to like, is Wifredo Lam. I commend him for his art, his dedication as a father, and his desire to travel and learn different cultures and their art techniques. I found it very interesting that he met with Picasso who encouraged him to be proud of his African art because it is what his own ancestors did. Wifredo not only was friendly with Picasso, but he also learned under the same instructor as Salvador Dali. Dali was a Spanish artist known for his “droopy” effects in his paintings. I have always admired Dali’s creativity, so I was excited to learn Lam had a connection to him. Wifredo was born to a Chinese father and an Afro-Cuban mother. With these influences and those of a Spanish art teacher, his style is very unique to himself. It can also be identified through his art when his friendship began with Picasso because it can be classified as Modern art. It is explained that when he returned back to Cuba in 1940 his art became political. This is because he had seen new things abroad such as the Nazi invasion in France, his wife and son passed, and he fought for Spanish Republican forces. With experiences such as these, he understood that the African slaves on the island were being poorly treated. He depicted his thoughts through his art.
Another takeaway from this module was how tradition and authenticity stayed amongst Cuban music, but a variety of styles were implemented into Cuban art. It is known to be true that Cubans love their music, but with influences from Europe, Africa and the Americas, I wonder why this isn’t visible in their music, since it is so clear in their art.
Why do you think Cuban music remained traditional, but Cuban art was influenced by other cultures? Do you think Cubans enjoy their music more than their art?
Similar to the last module, I had my Grammy’s input for this one as well! She shared that her older cousin Mathilde doesn’t enjoy listening to authentic Cuban music anymore because “it represents an era that is gone”. Mathilde was older than my Grammy by 6-7 years. She fell in love and got married in Cuba and the music “represented a beautiful life she once lived when she danced with her husband in the streets”. On the other hand, my Grammy has the Gypsy Kings, Ernesto Lecuona, and The Buena Vista Social Club constantly playing in her kitchen. She tells me, “I love Cuban music because it reminds me of my upbringing and heritage, and I have wonderful memories associated with this music”. These contrasting opinions show that every Cuban's story and feelings differ.
Castro made free art schools for the masses to use as a tool to promote socialist ideals and to become the most cultured society. Some Cuban artists claim they wouldn’t be in their profession if it wasn’t for Castro promoting it. What do you think the Cuban art community would look like without Castro’s support? Do you think it would be as profound? Do you think artists would still be making more than other professions such as doctors and engineers?
I love that you added a personal connection with your Grammy and a story from her personal life! I think Cuban music remained traditional because they wanted to save their roots and the history through their music. Cuban Art was a way for more independent artists to express themselves and add more about modern Europe and Mexican explanations into their cuban style art.
ReplyDeleteThe personal connections to your love of Savador Dali and your family were great additions. The quote you included from Mathilde paints a beautiful but sad picture of her time in Cuba. As for your questions...
ReplyDelete1. While I don't know a ton about Cuban music, I don't think it has remained traditional. Of course, traditional music, like the Buena Vista Social Club, has survived through the years, but it isn't the only type of music in Cuba. From what I understood in this mudule, rap and reggaeton have become extremely popular in recent decades. While they are looked down on by the Cuban government, they continue to be influential among the people. I remember one of the articles saying that the Castro regime had an easier time censoring traditional forms of art (like music) than it did abstract visual art. This may have contributed to the survival of traditional music. I think it's likely that the average Cuban enjoys music more than other types of art. It is easier to consume. I bet it would be the same in the USA. More people like Drake than Basquiat.
2. Without the support of the Castro regime, I think the Cuban art community would be much more focused on street art. The communist government supported art schools, but rarely the subversise works of the artists themselves. Without formal training, I think artists would have taken the path of Yulier P. or Fabian, communicating their messages on walls around Havana rather than in exhibitions. I think the art itself would be just as profound, though it probably wouldn't be as well known outside of Cuba. Street art isn't very profitable (unless you're Banksy), so I doubt that they would make more than doctors or engineers.
HA! I agree more people would like Drake and music is an easier art form to consume! As I have started to explore module 3 I have learned more about the music of Cuba and how it has been influenced by many different cultures throughout the decades. I guess I am just shocked at how authentic Cuban music is still played regularly.
DeleteI really enjoyed reading your post. I liked what you wrote about Wilfredo Lam. In terms of your questions, I think that some Cuban music didn't have the same chance to expand to be influenced by other cultures. I found that I was fascinated by the isolation of the special period, although sad and alone, Cuba was virtually untouched by other influences at this time. I think that music changes so rapidly now, that it may be Cuba's intent to keep it traditional, so to speak. I also think during this time it was easier to censor music than to censor art. The artists were often jailed if they were being too critical of politics or disruptive with installations.
ReplyDeleteWithout Castro's support, I think the Cuban art community would still be relevant today. I think that Cuba's art is unique and would still remain unique with or without Castro. I think that artists would still be making more than other professions due to the economy that Cuba has, and tourism would still contribute to this and affect the country in this way.
As always the connection with your Grammy is so fun! I have been thinking alot about the comparison to an artist making $100 on one painting in one day vs a doctor making $30 a month. It is so very interesting that even though Castro did push arts he also pushed science and education as a whole so It's a wonder that doctors aren't more appreciated. However, in communist countries this is how it is with most paychecks all being the same because they believe everyone should make a equal paycheck (don't quote me on this exactly).
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