cuban ARTIST
PHOTOGRAPHS BY BRUCE BYERS
cuban ARTIST By Bruce Byers
Our book is a photographic diary of our visits with Cuban artists, world famous as well as the emerging talent living everywhere on the island. It is by no means comprehensive, but a selection of artists who work every day to express their imagination, unique life view, soul, and love for their country.
The ART and Soul of the Cuban Artist Introduction
The Intersection of Art and Humanity
In my opinion Cuba is an overflowing fountain for art lovers. We created this book not as a curation that promotes one artistic style or vision over another. Neither is it a portfolio of Cuban artists tied to a certain aesthetic or political posture. Rather, it is a book that treasures the expressive portraits of creative people from Cuba where two artistic expressions converge: The impressive photographs of working Cuban artists that renown photographer, Bruce Byers has patiently and systematically captured through his lens and trained eye; is of my collection of artist friends, many of whom I have known since I was a child, who have given us access to their homes, lives, studios, and art.
The making of this book has been an intense and beautiful Odyssey in pursuit of a goal that began eight years ago on our journey through Cuba, from east to west, where Bruce discovered the island for the first time himself. This book is a showcase for Bruce’s photographic work and his humanity. I watched his art and personal connections grow and intertwine; he is a master of the lens who knows how to capture such a diversity of faces with empathy and compassion.
Thanks to my insatiable curiosity, my avocation is to travel around the island to discover artists and recognize that, above all, we are colleagues and their doors are always open to me. So, without planning it, I accumulated incalculable human capital in amazing artists. Bruce recognized this networked community and its great creative possibilities in a partnership to undertake a project where both our lives and artistic work come together. I am grateful that life has given me this professional opportunity, because, I must say that the best outcome has been that I have a great friend with whom I have been able to revisit Cuba and nurture my own artistic work and my life.
Cuban Resilience Throughout the years I have been witness to departures and arrivals, deaths and rebirths, negative and positive spaces, and the gradual withdrawal of the green sea of young sugarcane with its tender new shoots. Amidst of all this flux and loss, the vitality of my country never ceases to amaze me. As a creative on the island, I am awed by the resilience, fantasy, and pragmatism that allows our artistic work to continue against the challenges of the simplistic logic of the ordinary. This book is a reverent tribute to these admirable beings that can be found literally in every corner of the island.
At the time we had no idea our travel adventures would give rise to this book. Our journey was so complex because it coincided with one of the most critical moments for my country. Even mobility itself was compromised. Due to the shortage of fuel we had to
EL ARTE y el alma de el artista cubano Introducción En mi opinión Cuba es una fuente desbordante para los amantes del arte. Creamos este libro no como una curaduría que promueva un estilo artístico o una visión sesgada sobre otros. Tampoco es un catálogo de artistas cubanos atados a una determinada postura estética o política. Más bien, es un libro que atesora los retratos expresivos de personas creativas de Cuba donde convergen dos expresiones artísticas: las impresionantes fotograf ías de artistas cubanos en activo que Bruce Byers ha capturado paciente y sistemáticamente a través de su lente y ojo entrenado; y mi colección de amigos artistas, muchos de los cuales conozco desde que era un niño, que nos han dado acceso a sus hogares, vidas, estudios y arte.
Gracias a mi insaciable curiosidad, mi vocación es viajar por la isla para descubrir artistas y reconocer que, ante todo, somos compañeros y sus puertas siempre están abiertas para mí. Entonces, sin planearlo, acumulé un capital humano incalculable en artistas increíbles. Bruce reconoció esta comunidad en red y sus grandes posibilidades creativas en una alianza para emprender un proyecto donde confluyen nuestras vidas y nuestro trabajo artístico. Agradezco que la vida me haya dado esta oportunidad profesional, porque, debo decir que el mejor resultado ha sido que tengo un gran amigo con el que he podido volver a visitar Cuba y nutrir mi propio trabajo artístico y mi vida.
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La intersección del arte y la humanidad La elaboración de este libro ha sido una intensa y hermosa odisea en pos de una meta que comenzó hace ocho años en nuestro viaje por Cuba, de este a oeste, donde Bruce descubrió la isla para sí mismo por primera vez. Este libro es un escaparate del trabajo fotográfico de Bruce y su humanidad. Observé cómo su arte y sus conexiones personales crecían y se entrelazaban; es un maestro de la lente que sabe capturar tal diversidad de rostros con empatía y compasión. En ese momento no teníamos idea de que nuestras aventuras de viaje darían lugar a este libro. Nuestro viaje fue tan complejo porque coincidió con uno de los momentos más críticos para mi país. Incluso
The ART and Soul of the Cuban Artist cancel visits in some provinces so that many artists were left out of the project through no fault of their own. To make matters even worse, on one trip we actually ran out of fuel an hour from Santiago de Cuba and managed somehow to glide into town. That is only one reason why this book is a testament to our will, persistence, and practice of grace under pressure. It is the product of determination and a bit of luck. It is also a masterpiece of diplomacy and friendship as we traveled in a cross-country spaceship fueled by two special propellants: Santiago Rum and the fumes of cigars rolled by the farmers we met along the way who planted and nurtured the tobacco seeds for those very cigars. We experienced countless enlightened moments as we traveled across Cuba, meeting artists, farmers, artisans, musicians, and performers before, during and after the photo shoots. The making of this book changed Bruce and it changed me. We are definitely not the same people as we were eight years ago because we were both exposed over time to the powerful influence and diversity of the Cuban artist community.
Capturing the Soul of Cuban Artists Bruce is a unique photographic species that drinks in images, moving comfortably between the digital and analog worlds. He works in a delicate balance between the past and the future of photography with a security and a grace that makes the task look easy, but we know that it is not. He is a master of the trade and for his gift of teaching. During our trips across Cuba, I have seen his evident enjoyment in teaching the mystique of photography, sharing the tools and reflexes that have to be ready when that dream image suddenly arrives in the frame. And what’s more, I have seen him teach others how to ambush an image by preparing the anticipated moment with the skill and foresight to be ready for the moment. I pay a lot of attention to the advice he offers to others, and to me directly or indirectly in his master classes. In fact, my experience with Bruce has influenced my
painting to the point of having led me to a new series of work that involves everything from the people he photographed to unexpected accidents with light. For this book, the protagonists are the Cuban artists who have nothing to do with the strident or egotistical characters who invade our space desperately claiming their fifteen minutes of glory. These Cuban artists are full of virtues, which cannot be seen with the naked eye because they are working and transforming the world in silence, in short but definitive steps. They are making art, philosophy, science, sports, working the land, and plowing and sowing souls inside their canvases. They do not seek fame and fortune. They work quietly on their art rising above the roughness of their circumstances as beautiful beings illuminated by the brilliant light of vibrant haloes. They are modest. In most cases, they don’t even suspect that they are beautiful to the outside world. They live worlds apart from this American photographer whose ancestors arrived on the Mayflower. They have little understanding of his photographic travels that jump from Bhutan and Nepal, to India and Cuba. So, this book is a work of true love of Cuba, its people, and the soul of Cuban artists. It is the manifestation of a deeply spiritual and aesthetic partnership between an American photographer and my artist friends. We have become a community - a family without borders. It is our hope that our work communicates the power and persistence of Cuba artists who persevere against all odds in our resource constrained country. And finally, this book is an optimistic glimpse into the overflowing fountain of Cuban creativity and imagination that is a magnet for art lovers and people who appreciate the strength of the human spirit. - Carlos Rene Aguilera Tamayo
EL ARTE y el alma de el artista cubano la propia movilidad se vio comprometida. Debido a la escasez de combustible tuvimos que cancelar visitas en algunas provincias por lo que muchos artistas quedaron fuera del proyecto por causas ajenas a ellos. Para empeorar las cosas, en un viaje nos quedamos sin gasolina a una hora de Santiago de Cuba y de alguna manera logramos deslizarnos hasta la ciudad. Esa es solo una de las razones por las que este libro es un testimonio de nuestra voluntad, persistencia y práctica de la gracia bajo presión. Es el producto de la determinación y un poco de suerte. También es una obra maestra de la diplomacia y la amistad mientras viajábamos en una nave espacial a campo traviesa impulsada por dos propulsores especiales: el ron Santiago y los humos de los cigarros enrollados por los agricultores que conocimos en el camino, que plantaron y cultivaron las semillas de tabaco para crear aquellos puros . Experimentamos innumerables momentos de iluminación mientras viajábamos por Cuba, conociendo a artistas, agricultores, artesanos, músicos y artistas antes, durante y después de las sesiones de fotos. La realización de este libro cambió a Bruce y me cambió a mí. Definitivamente no somos las mismas personas que éramos hace ocho años porque ambos estuvimos expuestos a lo largo del tiempo a la poderosa influencia y diversidad de la comunidad de artistas cubanos.
Capturando el alma de los artistas Cubanos Bruce es una especie fotográfica única que bebe imágenes, moviéndose cómodamente entre el mundo digital y el analógico. Trabaja en un delicado equilibrio entre el pasado y el futuro de la fotograf ía con una seguridad y una gracia que hace que la tarea parezca fácil, pero sabemos que no lo es. Es un maestro en el oficio y también, literalmente, por su don de enseñanza. En nuestros viajes por Cuba he visto su evidente disfrute enseñando la mística de la fotograf ía, compartiendo las herramientas y los reflejos que hay que tener listos cuando esa imagen soñada llega de
repente al cuadro. Y lo que es más, lo he visto enseñar a otros cómo emboscar una imagen preparando el momento anticipado con la habilidad y la previsión para estar listo para el momento. Presto mucha atención a los consejos que ofrece a los demás, y a mí directa o indirectamente en sus clases magistrales. De hecho, mi experiencia con Bruce ha influido en mi pintura hasta el punto de haberme llevado a una nueva serie de obras que involucran desde las personas que fotografió hasta accidentes inesperados con la luz. Para este libro los protagonistas son los artistas cubanos que nada tienen que ver con los personajes estridentes o egoístas que invaden nuestro espacio reclamando desesperadamente sus quince minutos de gloria. Estos artistas cubanos están llenos de virtudes, que no se aprecian a simple vista porque están trabajando y transformando el mundo en silencio, en pasos cortos pero definitivos. Están haciendo arte, filosof ía, ciencia, deportes, trabajando la tierra, y arando y sembrando almas dentro de sus lienzos. No buscan fama ni fortuna. Trabajan en silencio en su arte elevándose por encima de la aspereza de sus circunstancias como hermosos seres iluminados por luz brillante de halos vibrantes. Son modestos. En la mayoría de los casos, ni siquiera sospechan que sean hermosos para el mundo exterior. Viven en mundos aparte de este fotógrafo estadounidense cuyos antepasados llegaron en el Mayflower. Tienen poca comprensión de sus viajes fotográficos que saltan desde Bután y Nepal, hasta la India y Cuba - Carlos Rene Aguilera Tamayo
ABOUTBRUCEBYERS Bruce Byers has spent over 35 years perfecting the art of observation. With a wealth of professional experience matched with a sensitive eye, Byers captures his observations photographically with evocative results. His images reflect a range of emotions, immersing the viewer in a world of private moments that most of us would otherwise miss. Unstaged and unstructured, his portraits reflect moments of introspection, wisdom, joy, serenity, and playfulness. The genuine feelings communicated in Byers’ work represent the true spirit of the people and places he photographs. His passion for Cuba started with a visit to the island in 2010 and grew into a mission to photograph its people, farms, towns, and villages. This exploration led to a project to photograph the artists of Cuba including the dancers and musicians. He partnered with renowned artist Carlos Rene Aguilera Tamayo to travel across the island to meet and photograph working artists who were sustaining the rich tradition of Cuban art. “This book is my tribute to the many working Cuban artists who have become good friends. Photography is one form of artistic expression, which connected me creatively to Cuban artists and reinforced my desire to tell their story through portraits and their artwork.”
SOBREBRUCEBYERS Bruce Byers ha pasado cerca de 35 años perfeccionando el arte de la observación.Con una rica experiencia profesional unida a un ojo sensible, Byers captura fotográficamente sus observaciones con evocativos resultados.Sus imágenes reflejan un rango de emociones sumergiendo al espectador en un mundo de momentos privados los cuales,la mayoría de nosotros de otra manera no hubiéramos advertido .Sin preocupacion escenica ni estructuración previa,sus retratos reflejan momentos de introspección , sabiduría, alegría, serenidad y jovialidad.Los sentimientos genuinos comunicados en la obra de Byers representan el verdadero espíritu de la gente y los lugares que fotograf ía. Su pasión por Cuba comenzó con una visita a la isla en 2010 y se creció hacia la misión de fotografiar su gente,granjas,ciudades y pueblos.Su exploración le condujo al proyecto de fotografiar los artistas de Cuba, incluidos bailarines y músicos.Se asoció con el reconocido artista Carlos Rene Aguilera Tamayo para viajar a lo largo de la isla para conocer y fotografiar artistas activo que han estado sosteniendo la rica tradición del Arte cubano. "Éste libro es mi tributo a los muchos trabajadores artistas cubanos que se han convertido en buenos amigos míos.La fotograf ía es una forma de expresión artística la cual me conectó creativamente con los artistas cubanos y reforzó mi deseo de contar sus historias a través de retratos y de sus obras."
Carlos Rene Aguilera We embarked on this photographic adventure to share the powerful voice and soul of working Cuban artists with the world outside of this Caribbean Island, isolated from the resources of much of the world. Cuban art has a deep and rich history, with significant artists working in parallel with wellknown artists of every era in Europe and America. But our journey was to visit the artists in Cuba that are working every day to make their voices heard and their creativity visible to collectors and everyday art lovers. A Photographic Diary of Visits with the Artists of Cuba All quotation text by Bruce Byers and Carlos Rene Aguilera Tamayo
Kamyl Bullaudi
Alicia Leal
Previous spread: Alicia Leal with husband Juan Moreira in the background. This page, above: Artwork by Alicia Leal. This page, below and facing page: The late Cuban artist Juan Moreira.
Juan Moreira
On our journey cross-crossing the island of Cuba, we were warmly welcomed into so many artists’ studios and their homes, often the same space. Some artists work in dire living environments (by Western standards), some are ensconced in beautiful 19th century homes, and others have transformed simple villages into art destinations. From the patina of Havana’s erosion and neglect to Trinidad’s seductive historyladen streets and doorways, to Santiago’s hilly streets overlooking to the harbor, you will find Cuban artists working in every media.
Joaquín Bolívar
Xiomara Gutiérrez
Agustín Hernández
Reinerio Tamayo Fonseca
Wayacón
Nelson Villalobos
We visited 70 artists, ages 25 to 100 years. They shared the narratives of their short and long lives, their inspiration, their histories, dreams, and hopes for Cuba. Every artist is passionate about their homeland, wants the world to see their work, and optimistic for a better life for the generations of artists to come. hilly streets overlooking to the harbor, you will find Cuban artists working in every media.
Brian Sánchez
Miguel Angel Lobaina
Guillermo Malberti
José Julián Aguilera Vicente
José Rodríguez Fúster
Julia Valdés
Alexander Beatón
Yasbel Pérez
Eduardo Miguel Abela Torrás
Traveling throughout Cuba is its own discovery. The countryside is spectacular with green fields, flourishing tobacco farms and always the draw of the sea along the coastal regions. Cuba’s naturalwenvironment plays a role in contemporary art alongside intense personal visions and subtle, and not so subtle, statements about the politics and economics of the country.
José Antonio Hechavarria
Yasiel Elizagaray
Above: Artist Iliana Sánchez in 2010. Below: Artist Iliana Sánchez in 2023.
Iliana Sánchez
Joel Jover
Hisrael Tamayo Zamora
Yidier Llanes Rodríguez
We drove 3000 miles across Cuba, experienced fuel shortages, soldiered on with many vehicle breakdowns, and got lost more than once. We were always spurred on by the discovery of our next encounter and opportunity to make friends with another new artist who is contributing to Cuba’s heritage as an artistic sanctuary of self-expression. Some artists have left the island to make a better life in Spain, America, or other countries. But Cuba remains the soul of their work and informs their voices.
Alberto Lascay Merencio
José Luis Berenguer (this page and previous spread) His spouse is artist Orlaides López on the facing page.
Luis Alberto Pérez Copperi
Vivian Lozano Caballero
Yunier Hernández Figueroa holding his art.
George Pérez González
Jorge Cáceres
Chicho
Reinaldo Pagán Ávila
Musician Maikel Masso
Along the way, we also met some impressive musicians. The sound of Cuba is as distinctive as its art. Our diary includes portraits of a few of these working musicians who are also amplifying the voice and soul of Cuba.
Cuarteto Mágico de Saxos
Cuban musicians collectively known as Ecos del Tivolí
Jorge Félix Gónzalez
Vladimir Rodríguez
Carlos Del Toro
Jorge Knight Vera
Josefa Aguilera Tamayo (this page) with her art. Josefa is sister to both Joel (facing page) and Cuban artist Carlos Rene Aguilera
Joel Aguilera Tamayo
Omar Morales
Celso de Zayas
Tomás Núñez
Nelson Miranda Verona Above in 2003, and left in 2012.
Jose Omar Torres
Cuban artists give the world hope and possibility for the power of selfexpression and the essential need for art in every society and culture. If only change endures, so do Cuban artists endure through the hearts and souls of everyone fortunate enough to meet them and bring their art into their lives.
Arístides Hernández Guerrero
Rubén Alpízar
Ernesto Cuesta Esteris
Miguel Yaimel Cosme
Grettel Arrate Hechavarría
Yamilis Brito
Danis Montero Ortega
Luis Rodríguez
Marcel Molina
Art Critic Jorge Núñez
Above all, Cuban artists are resilient. Their spirit is irrepressible even when facing the stark reality of having no paper to paint on, no paint to paint with, and little money to purchase supplies. Artists need to create, so any surface is game: paper bags, clothing, cardboard boxes, palm leaves, LP records, walls, fabric. Much of the art is fragile and risks surviving a long life, which makes it all the more valuable to serious collectors.
Yudith Vidal Faife
Julio Carmenate
Miguel Angel Couret
Caridad Ramos Mosquera
Rigoberto Mena Below with Cuban artist Carlos Rene Aguilera.
Omara López Segrera wife of Aalejandro Joaquin Zamora
Musician Alejandro Joaquín Zamora
Alexis Pantoja
RoldÁn Lauz Án Eiras
Parting shots
Artists Vladimir Rodríguez, Wayacon, and Jorge Cáceres (left to right)
Jesús Nodarse
cuban ARTIST By Bruce Byers Photography All images ©copyrighted and registered by Bruce Byers
Bruce Byers Photography 165 East 72nd Street, Studio 3H New York, NY 10021 www.brucebyers.com byers@brucebyers.com 917-992-1453 IG: Brucebyers ISBN: 979-8-9900926-0-0
Printing:
Digital World Solutions, Inc.
www.dwsny.com Editor:
Deborah Patton
Book design:
Daniel Carmin
Painting by. Alexis Pantoja
Cuban art is a force to be reckoned with, and its artists are working with grace under economic and political pressure. We were humbled, entertained, delighted, and awed by the breadth of their work and the scope of their vision. Our photographic diary is testament to their enduring talent, spirit, and resilience. We hope you enjoy this window into their world and the magic of their work.
Ernesto "Che" Guevara was an Argentine Marxist revolutionary, physician, author, guerrilla leader, diplomat, and military theorist. A major figure of the Cuban Revolution, his stylized portraits have become ubiquitous countercultural icons, symbols of rebellion in popular culture.