Today we visited Revolution Square and learned about its importance. We found out that protests are preformed there on many occasions and in 1998 the pope spoke in there. We visited an area that honored individuals that are regarded as intellectuals and influential people in Cuban culture and history. The list included U.S. individuals. Some of the U.S. individuals included Abraham Lincoln, Fredrick Douglas, Martin Luther King, and Malcolm X. The influence U.S. had on Cuba through its intellectuals surprised me and many of my classmates. The classroom readings never mentioned these issues and it was very enjoyable to see this in real-life.
We then visited a 1930s historic hotel called Hotel Nacional. It was popular ‘back in the day’ because of mob connections and now many famous people stay at the hotel. Interestingly enough, Nebraska’s own, Dave Heineman, stayed at the hotel in 2005. Dr. Benjamin-Alvarado explained he was conducting an agriculture agreement with Cuba in 2004-2005.
We then visited Callejón de Hammel, which is a street cultural center led by an internationally recognized painter and muralist named Salavdor González Escalona. Many of us thought his artwork was just amazing. It illustrated Afro-Cuban heritage and culture. Some paintings showed Afro-Cuban religious heritage, while others illustrated the history of Afro-Cuban lifestyle, and others illustrated Afro-Cuban life today. His work was so amazing and left me speechless because of its beauty and the vibrant colors.
We then visited Eduin Fraga’s art studio and he explained how he utilizes newspapers to create a collage theme for his artwork. He uses newspaper articles that describe his piece and incorporate them into his work. For example, if he is painting a piece about jazz music, he utilizes a newspaper piece about jazz music into his painting. Eduin mentioned that he started incorporating collage-type painting into his work because when he started painting he and the Cuba did not have much. So, he found what he could to paint and he liked the style. His style is beautiful and left me speechless as well.
By the end of the day I bought an Afro-Cuban painting and two of Eduin’s paintings. To be precise, I bought one of Salavdor González Escalona student’s paintings. The painting was so vibrant and spoke to me. The painting was of a Yemayá, who is the African goddess of the sea, maternity, and fertility. I also bought two of Eduin’s paintings, both paintings illustrated the love of jazz music in Cuba. It saddened me though, that art is sold so cheaply in Cuba. I bought two pieces of art for $40 CUC (approx. $40 U.S. dollars) each and another for $60 CUC (approx.. $60 U.S. dollars). Such fine and exquisite art is normally sold at higher prices in the United States.
The group finished the night by hanging out at a dance club called the “Yellow Submarine.” We heard an amazing band and were surprised at how much U.S. music Cubans actually listen to. We were told that John Lenin inspired Cubans during the revolution and that he is still popular today. Lenin’s influence can still be seen in Cuba today. There is a park with Lenin’s statue in Havana in honor of him.
We then visited a 1930s historic hotel called Hotel Nacional. It was popular ‘back in the day’ because of mob connections and now many famous people stay at the hotel. Interestingly enough, Nebraska’s own, Dave Heineman, stayed at the hotel in 2005. Dr. Benjamin-Alvarado explained he was conducting an agriculture agreement with Cuba in 2004-2005.
We then visited Callejón de Hammel, which is a street cultural center led by an internationally recognized painter and muralist named Salavdor González Escalona. Many of us thought his artwork was just amazing. It illustrated Afro-Cuban heritage and culture. Some paintings showed Afro-Cuban religious heritage, while others illustrated the history of Afro-Cuban lifestyle, and others illustrated Afro-Cuban life today. His work was so amazing and left me speechless because of its beauty and the vibrant colors.
We then visited Eduin Fraga’s art studio and he explained how he utilizes newspapers to create a collage theme for his artwork. He uses newspaper articles that describe his piece and incorporate them into his work. For example, if he is painting a piece about jazz music, he utilizes a newspaper piece about jazz music into his painting. Eduin mentioned that he started incorporating collage-type painting into his work because when he started painting he and the Cuba did not have much. So, he found what he could to paint and he liked the style. His style is beautiful and left me speechless as well.
By the end of the day I bought an Afro-Cuban painting and two of Eduin’s paintings. To be precise, I bought one of Salavdor González Escalona student’s paintings. The painting was so vibrant and spoke to me. The painting was of a Yemayá, who is the African goddess of the sea, maternity, and fertility. I also bought two of Eduin’s paintings, both paintings illustrated the love of jazz music in Cuba. It saddened me though, that art is sold so cheaply in Cuba. I bought two pieces of art for $40 CUC (approx. $40 U.S. dollars) each and another for $60 CUC (approx.. $60 U.S. dollars). Such fine and exquisite art is normally sold at higher prices in the United States.
The group finished the night by hanging out at a dance club called the “Yellow Submarine.” We heard an amazing band and were surprised at how much U.S. music Cubans actually listen to. We were told that John Lenin inspired Cubans during the revolution and that he is still popular today. Lenin’s influence can still be seen in Cuba today. There is a park with Lenin’s statue in Havana in honor of him.
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Lisa Kent
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