Havana
In Cuba it can be dangerous to express one’s opinions about social and political issues. People have been imprisoned for speaking out too loudly in protest of the current administration’s policies. However, in the Museo de Bellas Artes-Arte Cubano in Havana, many artists have found away to make their voices heard.
After paying the equivalent of 25 cents for admission, I wandered from room to room in this elegant building soaking in, not just beautiful art, but it’s many cultural messages.
There was an eight-foot tall ladle full of rocks. There were a series of huge swords hanging from the ceiling, spearing suitcases from over the last 150 years. There were enormous cockroaches with human heads adorning the walls. And there were bold interpretations of the land and the people of Cuba throughout.
Art is valued highly here, and it is found everywhere both in and outside of the museums. There are endless murals, street sculptures and vendors selling their craft. Art school is free, and after attending, a graduate is given a license to sell art. However, an artist is not permitted to sell their own art without this license. Nor can they procure artistic materials. This can be seen as both supportive of career artists and controlling.
Tomorrow, I will head west on my bicycle again, away from the lights, food, music and art of Havana, but I will have my friends Jeanne and Meg. Maybe that is an even trade?
