Calle Martiro by Pagan

Cuban art, like Cuban music has burst to the forefront of the cultural scene in recent years. Partly due to an increase in tourism and an opening up of Cuban society, young Cuban artists are emerging from years of anonymity. Since the Cuban Revolution in 1959, a flourishing art scene has emerged on the island, due to full governmental support to the arts and culture of Cuba.

With a strong Cuban cultural tradition mixed with Spanish and African influences, an excellent educational system and over 40 years of struggling economic existence, a Cuban style of art has emerged. Modern Cuban art is a conglomerate of these influences, the political, the traditional, the theatrical, the sensuous and the humorous.

One can never forget that in spite of the Cuban people’s daily struggle to survive, they have always maintained a sense of humor throughout.  And the artists have continued to produce works of art even though they have suffered shortages of the basic necessities of life as well as paint brushes, paint and canvass.