A tour of emblematic Art Deco buildings in Havana, as well as the legacy of this trend in Cuban design from the first half of the last century, focused on the online event “Art Deco Havana: Architecture and Design,” which took place this Tuesday afternoon.
Organized by the Copperbridge Foundation (CBF), the meeting, which began at 6:00 p.m., was attended by specialists Universo García (architect) and José A. Menéndez (designer), who offered a historical tour of different Art Deco architectural jewels in Havana, from the Bacardí building, the América Theater and the López-Serrano building, to small houses and other recently restored buildings of this style, which function as headquarters for private businesses (boutique hotels and restaurants).
In addition, the work of Cuban Deco designer Enrique García Cabrera, a forerunner of Cuban design at the beginning of the 20th century, was discussed in a talk moderated by Rosa Lowinger, art curator and president of RLA Conservation, Inc.
10×10, a virtual event bringing people together through culture
“I have great appreciation for Copperbridge’s work in bringing people together and fostering exchanges. As an artist, I perceive genuine sensitivity in every action in its extensive program, always trying to extend the public reach of our work. As a Cuban who lives on the island, I am grateful that, unlike others who place hurdles, Geo Darder, his team and sponsors are caring so much and so successfully to promote the enriching capacity of art. Many more copper bridges like this one are needed,” Menéndez highlighted.
For her part, Lowinger pointed out that “Havana’s prized Art Deco buildings tell the story of the city’s historical importance in the 20th century. Copperbridge’s effort to pay attention to them is an essential component in obtaining the necessary support for their conservation.”
The meeting on Havana’s Art Deco is part of the 10×10 online festival, which celebrated the last 10 years of the foundation. The event featured the participation of visual arts, music, theater, dance and architecture projects, and the presence of experts and artists from Argentina, Chile, Cuba and the United States, who presented panels, documentary premieres and other activities.
#TONIGHT we launch 10×10, our 10-Year Anniversary! 10 ONLINE EVENTS spanning arts and architecture around the globe starting with #Chilean #Architectural #Design !!! More info: https://t.co/rDWgYKQUrC #Copper10 pic.twitter.com/LFhOZsJhch
— Copperbridge FDN (@CopperbridgeArt) September 21, 2020
The Copperbridge Foundation is a non-profit organization that promotes cultural and educational exchange through different manifestations of art, with travel programs and events that establish a dialogue through the culture of nations.
