Floridita Travel

The months of March and April are important months for Cuba as art lovers from all over the world congregate to enjoy the rich and vibrant history of Cuban and world art. The 10th Biennial Havana Art Festival is a celebration of 25 years of involvement in the artistic presentation of world art and humour. This year’s theme is the ‘Integration and Resistance in the Global Era’ and all artwork has been selected to centre on this theme. At the same time the XVI International Graphic Humour Biennial runs from March 29 through April 2nd and showcases some of the local and worldwide talents depicting many contemporary themes in humour such as: general humour, political humour and satire, caricature, cartoon, and humorous photographs. Artists can present up to three entries in each category. Both events hold many exciting exhibitions, workshops, and conferences. The Havana Biennial will host speakers from many countries including Great Britain, Spain, Uruguay, Chili, the United States, and Cuba herself.

One highly anticipated exhibit is the ‘Latitudes, Artists of the World’ display by the French curator, Regine Cuzin, that presents many artists from all over the globe. Other exhibits will be ‘Tales from the New World’ a collaboration of Cuban artists headed by Humberto Diaz. The Havana Biennial is also host to theatrical presentations, music, and other festivities to delight its patrons.

Art is such an important expression of cultural and political events. It speaks to everyone regardless of race, culture, and language barriers. Events like the Havana Biennial give people of all nations a chance to get together and celebrate those themes that run through everyone’s lives and strike a common chord of appreciation. Two exhibits at this year’s event centre around foodstuffs and violence. These ever present sociopolitical subjects strike vibrant resonations deep inside people of every nation. Several other themes from past festivals still run deep and continue on this year to provide more thought provoking displays on subjects such as migration, and trans-territoriality. Subjects for debate are the artist’s displacement in society, and how it gives them a unique perspective on current trends and economies.

As always violence, war, and the conflicts of our societies in general are high on the lists of topics to be depicted, discussed, and considered. This is a global concern that can be examined from outside of its devastation and real impact through the eyes of artists giving their individual graphic opinions either through humour or other impressionistic means thereby allowing viewers to decipher for themselves the depth of meaning and real truths behind the human struggle. A workshop on art education, teaching, and its relevance in today’s society will give educators, parents, and students alike a chance to discus, evaluate, and argue the place and need of such instructions in the world today.

This event provides an exciting and enthusiastic display that gives everyone an opportunity to enjoy a world class art exhibit on their own level. Simply walk about and soak up the culture, or get involved in deep and invigorating debates. Art evokes great passions and deep thought and the Havana Biennial provides the perfect backdrop for those to truly shine.