The posters in this section depict iconic aspects of Cuban culture. Two posters reference Cuba’s nineteenth-century history in an effort to draw attention to current issues. Likewise, the five prints collectively titled Chill’ndron by the artists’ collective Mamey studio de diseño (Mamey Design Studio) reference a traditional Cuban meal of goat meat. Produced in 2016 specifically for this exhibition, Mamey’s prints focus on the intersections between traditional printing processes and contemporary illustration.
Yaimel López, designer
Héroe de culto
(Cult Hero)
Ernesto Sánchez Valdés, director
poster and film 2015
silkscreen on paper
Collection Morriña-Menéndez
This poster illustrates a key element of a short, 2015 film by director Ernesto Sánchez Valdés. The movie explores the time-honored Cuban tradition of creating busts and statues of José Martí, Cuba’s National Hero, writer, and advocate for Cuban independence. Today, small mass-produced plastic sculptures multiply Martí’s image.
Claudio Sotolongo, designer
…y voló como Matías Pérez
(…and he flew away like Matias Pérez)
2010
silkscreen on paper
Collection Morriña-Menéndez
“…y voló como Matías Pérez” or “he flew away like Matias Pérez”
is a common Cuban expression used to describe someone disappearing quickly or without a trace. In the mid-19th century, Pérez, a Portuguese merchant and inventor, rose into the sky and disappeared in a hot air balloon in front of thousands of observers. Here Claudio Sotolongo visualizes the phrase but substitutes a paper airplane for the hot air balloon.
The poster is a commentary on the risks of migration. The U.S. embargo and the economic crisis in Cuba led to a migration crisis that peaked in 1994 and that has had a sensitive and profound impact on many Cuban families. By 2010, the Cuban migration situation was fragile, yet for those who said goodbye to friends and loved ones it was definitive.
Written by Eileen Symons class of 2021, Art History major with French and Fine Arts minors, and a Museums Gallery Attendant.
Mamey estudio de diseño
(Mamey Design Studio), designers
Paper Art Machine, 2016
silkscreen on paper
Collection Morriña-Menéndez
Mamey estudio de diseño
(Mamey Design Studio), designers
Chill’ndron, 2016
five silkscreen prints on paper
Collection Morriña-Menéndez
Mamey estudio de diseño
(Mamey Design Studio), designers
Chill’ndron, 2016
five silkscreen prints on paper
Collection Morriña-Menéndez
Mamey estudio de diseño
(Mamey Design Studio), designers
Chill’ndron, 2016
five silkscreen prints on paper
Collection Morriña-Menéndez
Mamey estudio de diseño
(Mamey Design Studio), designers
Chill’ndron, 2016
five silkscreen prints on paper
Collection Morriña-Menéndez
Mamey estudio de diseño
(Mamey Design Studio), designers
Chill’ndron, 2016
five silkscreen prints on paper
Collection Morriña-Menéndez
