Jason Perra: Blog Post 2 - Cuban Art: Grassroots Politics and Vehicle of Change
I’ve never personally found myself particularly absorbed in the intricacies of fine art, and thus the subject of Cuban art had not previously arisen in my life. However, I have frequently found myself absorbed in the intricacies of global politics, and thus Cuban art has interested me more than other fine art has. After reading the required material, I delved into the topic further on my own. One artist I found particularly interesting was Tomás Gutiérrez Alea, who heavily contributed to New Latin American Cinema. He caught my attention since I once took a class on Latin American cinema in Costa Rica which heavily focused on New Latin American Cinema, a specific style influenced by Italian neorealism.
While as in virtually all cultures, art has always been an integral part of Cuban society, it has become particularly influential in post-colonial and especially post-revolutionary Cuba. It has been intrinsically linked with Cuban politics from the onset, with an enormous volume of Cuban art being dedicated to or depicting José Martí, the independence and national hero of Cuba, considered a martyr. Additionally, Cuban art has been influential because its industrial exception to the US embargo on Cuba has allowed it to be used as a medium for the dissemination of Cuban culture and society in the United States.
One particularly important sect of artists who were hugely influential in the development of Cuban Modernism and other styles was La Vanguardia. The movement comprised artists who, starting in the 1920s, went against the ways of the US and Machado-backed National Art Academy and became increasingly openly political in their works and the use of their influence. These artists advocated for socially and culturally progressive causes and opposed the dictatorship of Gerardo Machado and American influence on the island. They have made many lasting impressions on Cuban art including the introduction of cubist, surrealist, and primitivist styles since many of these artists had become influenced by study in Europe, particularly in France and Spain.
In virtually all authoritarian societies, including various parts of Cuban history, art has been used as a political tool for dissidents who would otherwise be unable to participate in political society. How has art been used for dissent in other places (perhaps even in the US)? How does this compare to its political significance in Cuba?
Carlos Agosta, a contemporary Cuban-British ballet dancer, once said “All of the artists in the show have something to say. They are questioning context and reality. It's not art for art's sake. They have a message.” The Cuban state under the Castros had significant influence on Cuban artists. Firstly, the state's very existence encourages dissent in the form of art, as happens in virtually all states. Moreover, the Cuban government before, under, and after Castro regulated the production and use of art. Many artists fled the island during and after the revolution, but Castro eventually allowed the foreign sale of art and private enterprises of artists to inflate prices.
Contemporarily, post-Castro, a 2018 decree heavily regulates all art and culture and bans much content, leading to jail for many artists. I believe the current political situation will have a lasting impact on artistic movements since it has been proven throughout history that censorship is not a sustainable strategy. It has already changed Cuban art to be more abstract, and underground art movements may spur new artistic styles or culture. What might such movements look like? What specific changes might arise out of contemporary Cuban art due to the long-term impacts of Decree 349?
In terms of the long term impacts of decree 349, I think it will cause the art scene to remain largely the same because it discourages diversification of new ideas/ways of thinking. Only those willing to risk their freedom will break from the status quo and push new boundaries.
ReplyDeleteHey! I like how well versed you are, especially with your previous Costa Rica studies.
ReplyDeleteI think that Cuba's use of art for political campaigning and or expression of a post-war era is similar to a lot of socialist or previously colonized countries. For instance, I studies in Hungary and while there is a lot of art preserved from centuries ago, many of it has been destroyed and replaced by either communist/socialist artwork or replaced now by artists who create based off historical events. Cuba's art shows that the people there are very affected by politics and that it influences their day to day lives and even their artwork. The US, while has political cartoons and artwork from times of terror, doesn't quite have the same connection that Cuba does.
This decree that was so recently imposed reflects how this country while free is still living in a censored government like many other Communist countries (China, Vietnam, North Korea, and Laos).