Tag: cuba

Luis Martinez Pedro in ‘Concrete Cuba’ at David Zwirner Gallery




The rhythmic concentric rings in calming cool colors in this painting by Cuban artist Luis Martinez Pedro might bring to mind drops of water falling on the surface of the water, but don’t be too sure.   The work features in a group show of art by ‘The Ten,’ a group formed in the late 50s of concrete artists in Cuba who resisted depicting forms from nature. (At David Zwirner Gallery through Feb 20th).

Luis Martinez Pedro, Aguas territorials (Territorial Waters), oil on canvas, 39 9/16 x 30 ½ inches, 1964.


Yoan Capote at Jack Shainman Gallery

Self-identity and national identity are tightly bound in Cuban artist Yoan Capote’s politically inflected artworks. Here, Capote peeks out from behind his sculpture of Castro, made from door hinges gathered from Havana households, suggesting either an open or closed door. (At Chelsea’s Jack Shainman Gallery through July 10th).

Yoan Capote, Immanence, mixed media including hinges, wood doors, metal armature, 120 x 180 x 180 inches, 2015.

Kcho in ‘Against the Grain’ at the Museum of Art & Design

Cuban artist Kcho grew up traveling between his home on an island off the coast of Cuba and the mainland, and boats – ‘keys’ to unlocking the ‘door’ of the sea – are a frequently recurring subject.  This one is a standout in the Museum of Art & Design’s ‘Against the Grain’ group exhibition of cutting edge art & design made from wood.  (Through Sept 15th).

Kcho (Alexis Leyva Machado), R.E.C. (Rectifying the Course), wood, 2006.

JR and Jose Parla outside Bryce Wolkowitz Gallery

I’ve been looking forward to globe-trotting street artist JR’s opening at Chelsea’s Bryce Wolkowitz Gallery next Tuesday, so spotting the artist and Jose Parla as they created this wall mural last Saturday on the gallery exterior was a treat.  For their collaborative project, JR and Parla photographed and interviewed seniors including this stately woman.  (‘The Wrinkles of the City’ opens May 7 and runs through July 12).