Morocco paints Cuban works in a positive light
A picture of "La Jungla" (The Jungle) from iconic Cuban artist Wilfredo Lam (first painted in 1943).
A museum in Moroccan capital Rabat displayed the works of 23 Cuban artists in an event titled, “From the other side of the Atlantic: Cuban Art”, AP reported on March 25.
The exhibition kicked off last month and is hosted at the Mohammed VI Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, which first opened in 2014.
A huge body of water and 7,000 km separate the two countries, however their passion for art is far from dissimilar.
The curator of the event, Abdelaziz El-Idrissi, said that its purpose was to give Moroccans a taste of art coming from across the world.
El-Idrissi commented, “We have initiated discussions with other countries to provide Moroccans the opportunity to see what is happening beyond the Mediterranean,”
All forms of artistic expressions were on show from visitors paintings and sculptures to photography and videos. The art displayed dated from the 1930s to more modern times.
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El- Idrissi added, “The 23 artists reflect the diversity of mediums and supports, showcasing the different facets of Cuban art with versatility. This is visible in the works of the artists participating in this exhibition.”
Notably, the exhibition payed homage to a highly influential figure in Cuban art, Wifredo Lam (1902 –1982) who sought to portray and revive the Afro-Cuban spirit and culture throughout his lengthy career.
It also followed the evolution of Cuban art through three sections that highlight different facets of Cuban artistic culture.
Whilst impressed by the masterpieces on show in Rabat, onlookers seemed confused as to why Cuban art was being brought into the spotlight in the country.
One enthusiast commented, “This exhibition is, above all, a surprise. I did not expect to find Cuban artists in Rabat.”
AP
