On display at The Bronx Museum of Arts is the exhibition “Wild Noise/Ruido Salvaje,” a collection of contemporary Cuban art from 1970 to present day. 30 artists have created very intentional pieces telling stories of their diverse and multi-layered culture.

“Cuban art has a history of focusing on different things and I think it has matured as a form of social conscience, progressive and very positive.”- Carlos Estevez

Contemporary Art, at its core, depicts the current state – the perspective of the person or people living and breathing in that present moment. The pain, joy, growth, conflict, oppression and the construct of culture and social norms are common threads in this genre. This genre, like many others, are displayed in many forms – photography, visual art, sculptures, audio, film, painting, etc.
Cuba, its people, its land and of course its politics, have always been an important part of global news. In 2016, according to Cuba’s Ministry of Tourism, more than 4 million foreign visitors traveled to Cuba! But what do people really know about the culture?

The Bronx Museum of the Arts has always been intentional about their exhibitions. This time around, they have curated a multi-room journey from Cuban artists who are focused on telling their stories that have shaped their personal lives and of the culture as a whole. Here are a few artists on display that have made an impact during my most recent visit:

Maria Magdalena Compos – Pons
Title:
When I Am Not Here/Estoy Allà (1996/2014)
Art Type:
Photography, Unique Polaroid Triptych

Art Summary & Review:
Campos-Pons includes herself in this collection covered in white paint (left) and brown paint (right) to emphasize the complexity of identity, complexion and race within the Afro-Cuban community. On her chest in the image reads “Patriotism is a Trap” in Spanish (left) and “Identity Could be a Tragedy” in English (right). Campos-Pons connects with both Cuban and U.S. culture and felt and endured the tug of war with being forced or feeling obligated to choose between ‘homeland’ and ‘nationhood. This image, and others in the collection, emphasizes the struggle one feels with their role (motherhood vs womanhood), their race (mixed/multi) and where they reside (migrate vs native). These issues, feelings and circumstances, although relatable around the world, is most prominent in the Black/Afro-Latino community given the detrimental points in history such as slavery.
About the Artist:
“Multi-disciplinary artist who utilizes her own body to explore alternative versions of Western history and canon, with specific focus on the role of women in Cuban society, female sexuality, Afro-Cuban traditions, and the history of the transatlantic slave trade in Cuba.”

Renè de Jesus Peňa Gonzalez
Title:
“Tutu” 2008
Art Type:
Photography, Lambda Color Print

Art Summary & Review:
Strong. Vibrant and Dark. Both masculine and feminine. Pure. Those are the words that come to mind when I look at this piece. The Afro-Cuban (and black culture in general) have very strong beliefs in gender roles. ‘Tutu’, placed on the models head in the photo, are often associated with youth and female/girl. This piece is a part of Peña’s collection titled “Untitled,” a self-reflection of the way in which black people are viewed in Western society.
About the Artist:
Peňa is a self-taught photographer and visual artist born in 1957. Peña has had several gallery and museum exhibitions, including at the Robert Mann Gallery and at the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art, University of Oregon. Several works by the artist have been sold at auction, including ‘SANS TITRE’ sold at Cornette de Saint Cyr Paris ‘Modern & Contemporary Cuban Art’ in 2017. There have been many articles about René Peña, including ’10 Cuban Photographers You Should Know’ written by Maddie Crum for The Huffington Post in 2015.” – Mutual Art

Alexis Leiva “Kcho” Machado
Title:
Siempre Fue Verde (1991-1992)
Art Type:
Sculpture, Mixed Material

Art Summary & Review:
Kcho “transforms a set of palm saplings into what look like giant oars, a reminder of earlier waves of exodus from the island by boat to escape political persecution.” – Holland Cutter, NY Times
Transportation, migration, and the water are powerful threads in foreign storytelling (non-U.S.). The symbol of oars and boats are often associated with some type of struggle (forced migration) or livelihood (fishing, working, transportation from one area/land to another or trade). This is the story of Cuba. With 40 miles of water separating Cuba from the U.S. (Florida), this sculpture speaks to the symbolic nature of oars and their multiple meaning and uses for the beautiful people of Cuba.
About The Artist:
“Kcho is a world-renowned sculptor and mixed-media artist who has contributed to the Contemporary Art movement. Kcho was born in Alexis Leyva Machado on the Isle de la Juventud in Cuba. He obtained his BA in Fine Arts from the National School of Fine Arts in Havana. He was interested in drawing at a very young age, and his main influence was Bruce Nauman (American, b.1941). The majority of Kcho’s works are based on boat forms. He uses materials that are often scavenged from other sources, such as recycled bottles and old lumber from docks and boats. He grew up around water, so he took the pictures from his past and created images that honored the dead.” – Artnet

Wild Noise/Ruido Salvaje is on display at The Bronx Museum of the Arts until July 3, 2017

*The opinions and ideas expressed are solely those of the author, and do not reflect the opinions of The Bronx Brand*

Tiffanee Thompson grew up in Twin Parks near the Bronx Zoo, and currently resides in Co-Op City. She loves the passion, attitude and creativity of the people in the Bronx. She wants to do her part in telling the stories of this great borough.

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