Arte de Cuba

Mérida has long been a major point of cultural exchange with Cuba, and we have seen Cuban art in our galleries before. But there has never been a show like “Arte de Cuba”. Ten of Cuba’s best-known artists, whose work is owned by serious collectors worldwide, are exhibiting their curated art at Soho Galleries from December, 2009 to May 15, 2010. Five of them were present at the opening event on December 4, 2009. Most of the artists are members of UNEAC (the prestigious Union de Escritores y Artistas de Cuba). (Note: Their Cuba show has been so successful that they have brought in many new pieces and extended the duration of the show to May 15.  Their next show, Clocks and Time, opens May 21, 2010, at 7pm.)

When Adele Aguirre, Soho Galleries owner, met these young, vibrant artists and saw their work, she knew she wanted to bring them to Mérida. None of them are self-taught; this is not street art. Their work is only shown in galleries. Much of their work has political meaning, and the artists have intense, passionate spirit. When you see their work you can feel their energy. Adele is excited to be a part of their journeys to success.

Cuban art is growing in value and will continue to do so. Serious collectors who know what they are looking for are investing in these artists’ amazing work. Because of the complex political situation in Cuba, outsiders may not understand the sarcasm or double meanings expressed by Cuban art; an explanation of the meanings behind the images can be provided along with the work of art. And certifications of authenticity are provided to the buyers as well. This is an incredible opportunity for Mérida residents and visitors to have original Cuban art in their homes at affordable prices (from $225 US to $4000 US).

Artists in the show (the ones indicated with * attended the opening on Dec. 4):

* Enrique Baster: Exhibited at Galeria Villa Manuela, also exhibits in Peru and Chile.

Carlos Camero: Professor of Art at San Alejandro, Havana.

* Miguel Angel Couret: Exhibited in Spain, Germany, France, USA.

Alain De La Cruz: Artist, muralist and interior designer. His works are being exhibited in the U.S. and Latin America, and are hanging in the home of the president of Panama and private collectors throughout the world.

José Fuster: Currently exhibiting in New York. Was recently featured on 60 Minutes and the Travel Channel.

* Harry Sam: Exhibited in Japan, Malaysia, and Oslo.

* Kadir Lopez: Combines iconic images, such as Coca Cola bottles and classic movie stars, to dramatic effect. Has just returned from a show in Colombia, and will be exhibiting in Palm Beach and California in January.

* Frank Martinez: His unique images offer subtle social commentary on life in Cuba. Recently exhibited in Havana at a Day of the Dead festival.

Yuri Romero: Recently created a huge sand sculpture in Quebec of Che Guevara. Has been invited to exhibit in Martinique and France next year.

Miguel Angel Salvo: Famous for his murals. Exhibited in Germany, Greece, and Majorca.

And for fans of Soho Galleries’ Nic Lavroff, known for his incredible photographs of Mérida’s doorways and streets, wait until you see how he turned his talents to the streets of Havana. In his words: “As you know, the clock stopped in Cuba around 1959. Over 100,000 old cars still roam the streets, patched together with chewing gum and toothpicks. Photo ops are everywhere -- beautiful architecture in decay, crumbling infrastructure. It's like Paris with a bad cold.”

Soho Galleries, Calle 60 #400A x 43, Centro. Tel. 928 5710. www.sohogalleriesmx.com

Mon.-Sat. 10:30 am - 5:30 pm