GAINESVILLE, FL.- The Harn Museum of Art at the University of Florida, in collaboration with The Cuban Arts Group, is presenting a new exhibition offering a glimpse into the complex culture and history that has inspired Cuban art throughout the 20th century and into the 21st century. Under the Spell of the Palm Tree: The Rice Collection of Cuban Art is on view from July 11, 2023 to Jan. 7, 2024.
Under the Spell of the Palm Tree presents the narrative of a “crossing”—a virtual crossing of the seas as well as a crossing of generations, of artists living or having lived both in Cuba and in the Diaspora. Guest Curators Gabriela Azcuy and David Horta, working with Harn Chief Curator and Curator of Modern Art Dulce Romn, selected 79 paintings, drawings, photographs, prints, mixed media, art books and sculptures to provide a comprehensive view of Cuban Art organized along six themes: The Language of Forms and the Forms of Language; The Prophet’s Dream; The Great Journey: Archives; The Sensory Landscapes of Memory and Desire; The Musings of Narcissus; and The Spirit of the Real, the Reality of the Spirit.
“Susie and Mitchell Rice are dedicated to expanding and enhancing their collection’s ability to represent the breadth and richness of Cuban art,” said Guest Curator Gabriela Azcuy. “They wish to share their collection with the public through thoughtfully curated exhibitions and a diverse educational arts program.”
Under the Spell of the Palm Tree: The Rice Collection of Cuban Art includes the work of 54 artists representing modern masters, members of the so-called “generation of true hope” of the 1970s, the “Cuban renaissance” generation of the 1980s, the generation of the 1990s, as well as younger artists who have gained international visibility. A full list of artists follows at the end of this release.
“We are honored to present to the University of Florida and Gainesville community a vibrant and diverse collection that is a testament to the immense talent, creativity and resilience of the Cuban people,” said Harn Museum of Art Director Dr. Lee Anne Chesterfield. “Through this exhibition, we hope to showcase the beauty, complexity and variety of Cuban art and artists, and to provide a platform for their voices to be heard.”
A fully-illustrated catalog accompanies the exhibition, with essays by Curators Gabriela Azcuy and David Horta, and edited by Harn Chief Curator and Curator of Modern Art Dulce Romn. Multiple public programs will be offered providing an opportunity for visitors to engage in conversation about the works on view. These include talks by the collectors and artist Jos Bedia. Visitors can also view the exhibition in the evenings on Thursdays until 9 pm as a part of the Harn’s Art After Dark program.
Artists whose work is on view in the exhibition include Belkis Ayn, Abel Barroso, Jos Bedia, Cundo Bermdez, Tania Bruguera, Ivn Capote, Salvador Corratgé, Mario Carreo, Liset Castillo, Carlos Enrquez, Roberto Fabelo, Carlos Garaicoa, Pedro de Ora, Juan Roberto Diago Querol, Roberto Diago, Adrin Fernndez, Ernesto Javier Fernndez, Jos A. Figueroa, Inti Hernndez, Alex Hernndez, Ricardo Miguel Hernndez, Jess Hdez-Gero, Wifredo Lam, Alberto Lago, Jorge Lavoy, Ernesto Leal, Glenda Len, Kadir Lpez, Jacqueline Maggi, Manuel Mendive, Frank Mujica, Chino Novo, Pedro Pablo Oliva, Mabel Poblet, Eduardo Ponjun, Ren Portocarrero, ngel Ramrez, Sandra Ramos, Enrique Rivern, Ren Francisco Rodrguez, Jos Rosabal, Lzaro Saavedra, Emilio Snchez, Toms Snchez, Esterio Segura, Rafael Soriano, Alfredo Sosabravo, Stainless (Alejandro Pieiro, Jos Capaz and Roberto Fabelo Hung), Jos A. Toirac, Alexi Torres, Antonio Vidal and Jos ngel Vincench.
