Original Cuban Artist Print from the Taller Experimental de Gráfica de la Habana
On the Modernism Week Havana Modern Tour in 2016, a visit was made to the Taller Experimental de Gráfica de la Habana. The Experimental Graphics Studio.
Founded in 1962 by mural artist Orlando Suarez with the support of Che Guevara, who was the minister of industry at the time, this studio/workshop is still thriving today. This is one of the most important graphic arts establishments, preserving the old printmaking techniques and churning out some of the most significant works of graphic art in Havana.
Many visual artists, poets, writers, and musicians are attracted to the TEG for the flavor of art that is produced there as well as the unique gathering of artists who work and study there. There is also a small gallery—Galería del Grabado—upstairs which is a good place to buy art. It sells original etchings, lithographs, woodcuts and collagraphs that are made at the TEG.
Grabado (printmaking) is a very important traditional art form. The handmade quality and aesthetic value along with the fresh smell of ink and the high quality paper (things that are rare in Cuba) make Grabado very sought after. More importantly, it is a form of art where a relative freedom of expression and spirit somehow finds its way.
This print was purchased by the donor during that visit at the Galeria del Grabado upstairs at TEG The hundreds of works of art for sale there were astounding — the range of colors, techniques, materials used, subject matter — all vast and completely fascinating.
The print depicts the Russian Embassy in the exclusive neighborhood of Miramar. Designed by Alexander G. Rochegov and completed in 1987, it was an era when Soviet influence was immense. Considered ugly and overbearing in a neighborhood of elegant homes, it’s not surprising that the artist decided to depict the structure ‘wrapped Christo style’ as a comment on hiding it from sight. Unable to decipher the correct spelling of the artist, but it was created in 2009 and is 24/25 from the series of prints made. Never framed, but carefully stored in the makeshift handmade tube that it was delivered to the hotel in, it’s a vibrant example of modern Cuban printmaking art.
Name : Mark Davis
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