A groundbreaking exhibition titled “Cuban Art: On the Other Side of the Atlantic” is currently on display at Morocco’s Mohammed VI Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art. This marks a significant first: one of the most extensive presentations of Cuban art ever mounted in an African museum.
The exhibition’s curator, Abdelaziz El Idrissi, emphasizes a desire to broaden artistic horizons for Moroccan museumgoers. “We’ve seen the European masters,” he says, acknowledging the traditional focus on Western artists in North African curriculums. “This is a chance to explore something new.”
A central highlight is the work of Wifredo Lam, a celebrated Afro-Cuban painter. The exhibition showcases 44 of his pieces, offering a comprehensive look at his vibrant style and exploration of African-inspired themes. This display even precedes a major Lam retrospective planned by New York City’s Museum of Modern Art in 2025.
The exhibition also features works by Jose Angel Toirac, another prominent Cuban artist. Notably, this marks the international debut of Toirac’s paintings that depict Fidel Castro using American pop culture iconography. These works were previously restricted from leaving Cuba.
“Cuban Art: On the Other Side of the Atlantic” delves into a range of themes that resonate deeply within Cuban art, including isolation, cultural identity, and the impact of the economic embargo. The exhibition runs until June 16th, providing a valuable opportunity to explore the artistic responses to Cuba’s unique history and vibrant cultural heritage.
