Alex Mahoney: Blog Post #3
Cuban music, street art, and expression:
Although I originally thought that Cuban music stayed traditional, I have learned that there are many varying genres and styles that have been influenced by different cultures, religions, and dances. For example, danzon is a musical genre that stems from European ballroom dancing. Cubans established danzon, making it their own, which is why it is the official dance of Cuba. Son, which is another popular form of Cuban music, developed on the Eastern side of the island from Spanish-descended farmers. The Mambo, a well-known dance in society, originated from this style of music. Charanga is a music style that is traced back to Haitian refugees. It is mostly small French Creole bands that settled in Oriente after Haiti’s own revolution. These styles, and many more, have developed throughout the decades. Although traditional music is still loved by many, new music genres have entered the world of Cuban music.
Learning about the importance of Cuban street art helped to explain why there is so much of it lining the streets of Havana. One artist shared that he enjoys displaying his art on the streets because everyone can see it. This particular artist paints portraits of children from his neighborhood. He understands that not everyone is willing/can afford to go to an artist's exhibitions or galleries, so he paints publicly so everyone can see his work. Another artist, Yulier Rodriguez finds his canvas amongst deteriorating walls and piles of ruin in highly populated areas. He does this to, “add color and aesthetic back into the city as it crumbles”. His intention is to spark conversation. His work can be identified by large alien heads with big eyes. Although not particularly liked by all citizens, his work does exactly what he intends for it to do, spark conversation. The final artist I particularly liked started a project titled The Wrinkles of the City. He found elders of the city and asked to photograph them. He then displayed their portraits on a much larger scale on the sides of buildings for anyone to see. Along with their portraits, are almost scribble-like lines and swirls that represent their memories of Cuba. I enjoyed learning about all three of these artists and the intentions behind their creations.
“No matter how isolated your country is, the young people will always find a way to express themselves”. This is said by the narrator of the YouTube video titled Hairstyles on the Streets of Havana which shows viewers how males in Cuba style and cut their hair. These styles are unique and diverse, and show different personalities. We have seen this statement to be true in Cuba, but do you think it is true nationally? What other cultures can you apply this meaning to?
What Cuban art form are you most excited to see and experience? Music, dance, art, architecture? What specific styles?
Hi Alex,
ReplyDeleteI like your analysis and how you mention the ways in which street art makes art more accessible! To answer your questions:
1. I assume you're asking if it's true in the US? I think it can be in some communities, but I don't particularly use hairstyles to express myself. However, if you're asking more about the statement at large, it certainly is true. In every single culture worldwide, people have found ways to express themselves regardless of economics, politics, background, or religion.
2. I'm most excited to see music and architecture! I'm excited for all genres of music all around, and I'm specifically interested in seeing Spanish and Moorish architectural influences.
Alex,
ReplyDeleteI definitely think this statement is true, regardless of where in the world. The younger generations are typically always the ones who are moving things forward in their own time, and while tradition may be an important part of many cultures, there are usually slight differences in style, form, execution, etc., that bring out younger generations individuality. I think we can see this in almost every country and culture on Earth, from Latin/South America, the US, Europe, the Middle East and Asia. We do tend to see this less in some nations/cultures than others, North Korea, for example, where tradition and adherence to societal standards can be the line between life and death.
I think I am most excited to see works of art specifically. Abstract/avant-garde tends to be one of my favorites, as there can be so many interpretations of meaning. However, it also goes to show how talented people are, regardless of where they come from, who they are, societal status, etc.
Alex, I'm glad you mentioned Son and Charanga, which are two forms of dance/music that I hadn't heard of before we started on this unit. I find it interesting how many different forms of music exist on this island, it's a testament to Cuba's diverse cultural heritage.
ReplyDeletePersonally, I am most excited to see live music in Cuba. I have always loved the flamenco-influenced guitar playing that is present in much of Cuba's music. Hopefully I'll get the chance to see a musician playing a Tres Cubano, which is a 3 stringed guitar unique to Cuba, that is used frequently in Son music.
Hi Alex,
ReplyDeleteGreat analysis.
1. The statement is absolutely true internationally. It can be scene here in America, through underground movements like early rap and graffiti, as well as in other countries. One that comes to mind is the punk movement from Britain, and the incredible impact that bands like The Sex Pistols had on the underground. Expression through hairstyles has also been popular around the world for nearly a century. The earliest example I can think of is the short hair of Flappers during the 1920s.
2. I'm most excited to see the visual arts of Cuba, as that's my area of interest, though the architecture and Cuban jazz scene also seem really cool! I'm hoping to see some pieces from Wilfredo Lam in person, as his art (as well as that of his contemporaries) is really inspiring to me.