Cuban Posters

180 political and cinema posters. An illustrated journey through Cuba’s history with works high in colour and vibrant with energy

CENTRE DE LA GRAVURE ET DE L'IMAGE IMPRIMÉE
Rue des Amours 10
B-7100 La Louvière
Belgium

INFORMATION:
Tél : +32(0) 64 27 87 27
E-mail : accueil@centredelagravure.be
Site: www.centredelagravure.be


The most memorable images of the island’s history and its regime appear on the country’s walls. Given the government’s determination to use posters as a tool in education and political propaganda, the street became the preferred location for communication. Contrary to what happened in other communist states, artists were granted the greatest artistic freedom of expression. Consequently we have the privilege of seeing images that are both aesthetically very emotional and truly convincing, in the cultural as well as in the political field. ICAIC (Cuban Institute for Art and the Cinematographic Industry, 1960) and OSPAAL (Organisation for the Solidarity between Asian, African and Latin American Peoples, 1966) produced most of the Cuban posters. Those on show are rare or unique examples, which adds to the historical and aesthetic value of the exhibition. They bear witness to the enormous cultural heritage of the island. Amongst the artists on show are Azcuy, Bachs, Morante, Ñiko, Reboiro, Rostgaard… The 180 posters exhibited here all come from José Lambert’s collection, which currently numbers more than 700 pieces. These are original silkscreen prints, whereas most current posters are reprints published to keep the legendary image of Cuban cinema alive.

The revolutionary posters
In 1959, the actors of the Cuban revolution wanted to reach out to the population: the masses were to be mobilised and slogans carried in the street. Oil paintings – aside from their bourgeois character - could not be quickly reproduced. Posters on the other hand, far from all elitist culture, appeared to be better adapted as a means of expression. They allowed for wide distribution on the walls of the city and their design evolved freely according to the changing political messages. Fidel Castro had a strong and positive interest in the political and cultural posters that served to promote the revolution. In 1960, El Comandante declared the right of intellectuals, artists and scientists to fight for a better world through their work. All styles could be used, all themes could be treated ...as long as the Revolution was not criticized.

http://www.centredelagravure.be/code/en/expo_actu3.asp

Cuban Posters
<1960>
from 16 September to 17 December 2006

On loan from a private collection, all 160 of the Cuban posters dating from between 1960 and 2000 bear witness to the enormous cultural heritage of the island.

<<< ©The AD Store-Bruxelles The exhibition will be accompanied by a booklet edited by the Centre de la Gravure. >> Details

http://www.lalibre.be/article.phtml?id=5&subid=106&art_id=309073

http://www.humanite.presse.fr/journal/2001-05-28/2001-05-28-244926