The Wifredo Lam Center in Havana served yesterday afternoon as venue for the meeting between Mr. Tom Udall, a Democratic senator from the state of New Mexico, Ruben del Valle, president of the National Council of Arts (CNAP), Margarita Gonzalez, artistic assistant director of the Center and a group of Cuban artists, representatives of several cultural generations including Eduardo Roca (Choco), the Capote brothers, Eduardo Abela, Michel Mirabal, Mabel Poblet, Susana Pilar and Humberto Diaz.
As Udall said, Cuba and New Mexico are culturally connected as artists from both regions have received similar influences and experiences. “I would like to accomplish some exchange with them,” he said. The senator showed interest in the work of the artists, who gave him a sample of their work in catalogs.
Rubén del Valle spoke to the guest on the features and conditions of work of Cuban artists, the education system in our country and future expectations of art in Cuba. “This today was a moment of rapprochement on the basis of mutual respect. If there is an understandable universal ambassador that is precisely the art and Cuban art movement is one of the strongest in Latin America and worldwide, “he said.
“Since the late 80’s there is a big curiosity from the US towards Cuban art. The Havana Biennial is an example of that. Despite the restrictions by the US government, to the last two editions of the Havana Biennial 2000 Americans have been present. They have also increased the projects of Cuban artists in the United States. That expresses eagerness, curiosity for Cuban art, “concluded Ruben del Valle.
