The Art in Contemporary Cuba event was one that surprised me! Going to the Johnson, I anticipated viewing the works of Cuban artists on a lovely tour. Instead, I was met with a professor who taught language and a diligent student of Cuban art. In their presentation, their perspectives mixed in the most interesting of ways, which allowed for us to explore the various forms of Cuban art and the development of expression through Cuban art.

However, of all of the parts of Cuban culture, politics and art that we explored, this piece by Ernesto Pujol. His work not only served to be self-reflective, but also worked to provide perspective of culture experienced by Cubans not in the country. To see the strings connected between one’s personal experience, to a broader culture was fascinating. Even more so these strings were connected on many levels because he uses religion. If I have not learned one thing about Latino and Hispanic cultures, similar to Black cultures, religion is significant to communities and personal development. Not every person encounters or has similar regard for religion in the same way, but are nonetheless affected by the presence of religion.

Another facet of this piece that I found fascinating is that it’s all white. This facet is even more interesting when considering that it’s the first within a series which inevitably leads his garments to be Black, which is significant in Catholicism order. He could have reversed the order in which he transitioned the colors. Also noted in the presentation, and true based upon personal research, Pujol is very specific about locations; it is referred to as “site-specific”.

Overall, there were many things to take from the presentation, but what stuck with me most was the talent and expression of Ernesto Pujol – a phenomenally bold artist.