By: Mercedes Muñoz

The group exhibition Paisaje para el próximo siglo (Landscape for the Next Century) has been inaugurated close to the centennial of Servando Cabrera Moreno (Havana, 1923-1981). Its title coincides with a 1975 work by Servando and, as the banner of this exhibition, it expresses the dialogue between two periods of Cuban art with a century in between, but which recall a certain cyclical theory of history.

Always fascinating, Servando Cabrera’s trajectory has a remarkable impact and timeliness, of which he was not fully aware. The exhibition Paisaje para el próximo siglo is a way of honoring that legacy through the work of young artists at different points in their careers who today can declare him as a reference or choose to pay tribute to him by making, in turn, their own contribution to Cuban art.

Undoubtedly, this is an excellent opportunity to appreciate the diversity and creativity of the visual arts scene in Cuba. That’s why it’s so valuable that the show be inaugurated at the Salón Blanco of the San Francisco de Asís Convent, a new exhibition space activated by the Youth Art Fund (YAF) thanks to cooperation between the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), the Los Carbonell Foundation –owners of the most important and extensive private collection of Servando’s works and documents– and the Office of the Historian of the City of Havana (OHCH), among other collaborators.

The exhibition brings together the work of a number of young artists and some more established figures, all of whom have been inspired in some way by Cabrera Moreno’s work and vision. The selection of pieces encompasses a wide range of styles and perspectives. The works of Niels Reyes, Jorge Otero, William Acosta, Lancelot Alonso, Daniel R. Collazo, Yohy Suárez, Daniel Arévalo, Gabriel Cisneros, Luis Miguel Rivero, Omar Tirado, José Ángel Nazabal, Mario E. Briño and Lauren Mederos all have their own vision of Servando.

The exhibition offers a rich and diverse proposal of young creation, including large-format pieces, sculptures and video installations that defy expectations. It is enhanced by the curatorship of Sandra García Herrera and Neida Peñalver, the installation of NG Art Gallery’s technical team and the words of Rigoberto Otaño, who accompanies the presentation of the exhibition.

In general, a high level of quality is evident and new perspectives are offered. The artists exhibited include, in fact, beneficiaries of the First Call for Proposals Program YAF 2023, such as Gabriel Cisneros and Mario E. Briño, as well as others who repeat the experience of exhibiting with the YAF, after having been part of the previous exhibition Hijos de Darwin (Darwin’s Children).

In terms of presentation, the Salón Blanco of the Convent of San Francisco is a large and luminous space, which allows a clear and uncluttered view of the works on display. The lighting is careful and precise, allowing the details of each piece to be appreciated, and the arrangement of the works in the room creates a sense of fluidity and continuity.

The resonance with the work of Servando Cabrera gives unity to this exhibition. The artists invited to participate in the exhibition explore the themes that marked Servando’s life and work. From the exploration of the human body and its eroticism –the visual poetics for which the creator of Milicias campesinas and Homenaje a la soledad is recognized today– to architecture and collecting, all among Servando’s great obsessions. All the pieces hint at the imprint of that creator, misunderstood in his time.

A phrase spoken by Cabrera Moreno in an interview granted to Bohemia magazine in 1975 greets viewers of the exhibition, offering advice to Cuban artists. This way, a layer of depth is added to the exhibition and Cabrera Moreno’s legacy is also shown to remain relevant and significant for artists today.

In this sense, the exhibition is not only a celebration of the past, but also a reflection on the present and future of Cuban art. By showcasing the work of young Cuban artists, the exhibition demonstrates the vitality of the current Cuban art scene, which requires greater support with proposals such as those of the YAF. At the same time, the constant presence of Cabrera Moreno’s figure reminds us of the importance of tradition and history in the construction of a living and dynamic culture.

In short, the exhibition Paisaje para el próximo siglo is an exciting showcase of contemporary Cuban art and Servando Cabrera Moreno’s lasting influence on the country’s culture. The selection of works offers a wide range of approaches and perspectives, making it a stimulating and inspiring viewing experience that will be on display through September 2023.

Cover photo: Helman Bejerano