Orlando Matos
Dec 14, 2023
A group of three artists embarked on a unique cultural collaboration
HAVANA, Cuba - A group of three artists from San Antonio led by cultural promoter Angela Martinez, embarked on a unique cultural collaboration by hosting a pop-up art show in the heart of Havana, Cuba.
The event marks the beginning of a cultural exchange initiative aimed at fostering mutual understanding and friendship between the artists and the Cuban people.
The pop-up art show unfolded in a house nestled in a popular neighborhood of Old Havana, intentionally steering away from formal settings to embrace a more genuine community-oriented approach. The artists engaged with local residents, creating an atmosphere that encouraged exchange and interaction.
During the event, the three artists showcased their works, conducted hands-on printmaking activities, captured photographs of attendees, and generously gifted their artworks to those present.
Angela Martinez, the driving force behind the initiative, shared that the project is centered around building community through art, fostering mutual understanding, and creating enriching friendships. "I want to build community between the Cuban artists and the San Antonio artists through art," she expressed.
One of the key goals of the project is to facilitate Cuban artists' participation in the exchange and, eventually, enable them to exhibit their art in San Antonio. This reciprocal showcasing aims to promote a deeper understanding of both cultures.
Photographer Anthony Garcia, one of the participating artists, highlighted that he joined the project to find inspiration and, in turn, inspire Cuban artists with his work.
Gary Sweeney, a printmaker and painter from San Antonio, emphasized that initiatives like these are crucial for cultural growth and development, providing a platform for a better understanding of each other.
Richard Armendariz, another engraver and painter in the group, expressed his involvement as part of the one-day-only pop-up show and the broader cultural exchange.
These exchanges serve as a bridge amid the tense situation between the two countries. While the San Antonio artists independently organized the event, the cultural collaboration survives despite strained diplomatic ties. Such collaborations have become a common practice, often facilitated by the American embassy in coordination with Cuba's Ministry of Culture.
Although the Cuban government typically supports these exchanges, critics argue that it shows a double standard, given its alleged interference with Cuban opposition artists, some of whom are currently in prison for their critical artworks.
Martinez remains optimistic, asserting that interactions and exchanges between artists from the two countries "can definitely build bridges or, you know, build something, a collaboration."
The pop-up art show in Havana stands as a testament to the power of cultural exchange in fostering connections and understanding across borders.