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Colorful Cuban Art Graces The Riffe Gallery
by Shane Cartmill
 The Ohio Arts Council’s Riffe Gallery will present an exhibition of work by artists from the Oriente region of Cuba September 22 – October 31, 2004. Cuba Oriente: Contemporary Painting from Eastern Cuba, a partnership of the Eastern Cuba Cultural Exchange and Meridian International Center, includes 60 exceptionally rich and vibrant works from what is often described as the heartland of Cuban culture.
At a distance of more than 650 miles from Havana, Oriente is not well known by Americans due to the complex relationship between Cuba and the United States. Cuba Oriente brings to light the stunning art of a colorful region. The 14 participating artists span generations. Several of the artists are self-taught, while others include a former museum director, professors and graduates of the region's art academies. The works on display in Cuba Oriente vary in subject and style. Classical and modern styles intertwine landscapes, genre scenes, abstract works, surrealistic themes and richly imagined comments on life in Cuba. Oil, acrylic and woodcut are the primary mediums.
The Eastern Cuba Cultural Exchange was founded by Clyde Hensley, whose travels and experiences in many countries and lifelong interest in art brought him to Eastern Cuba in 1995. There he met many artists, working under difficult conditions with few materials, and became passionate about helping them escape their regional isolation. He has since made numerous trips to the area, working with artists, cultural centers, museums and art schools in Santiago de Cuba and the surrounding provinces. As a result of his work, artist exchanges have developed and several exhibitions have been brought to the United States.
A series of Cuban portraits also will be on view during Cuba Oriente. The photographs by Somali-born, Columbus artist Abdi Roble will complement the exhibition, giving visitors a broader view of that nation and its people.
Two events will be held in conjunction with this exhibition; both are free and open to the public:
On Wednesday, September 22, 2004, from 5 – 7 p.m., the Riffe Gallery will host an opening reception with live music by the Afro-Rican jazz quartet Inrin-x-ico. The reception is co-sponsored by the Ohio Latino Arts Association.
The Riffe Gallery will present Visual Arts and Cuba: A Dual Perspective on Tuesday, October 26, 2004, from 7 – 8 p.m. This free slide presentation and discussion will focus on the contemporary Cuban art scene. Join Ohio State University’s Department of Theatre Chair Lesley Ferris and Resident Scenic Designer Dan Gray as they share their insights and images of Cuba based on their travel experiences and course “Contemporary Cuban Performance and Culture.”
The Riffe Gallery will offer free group tours Tuesday through Friday throughout the run of the exhibition. To schedule a group tour contact Riffe Gallery Director Mary Gray via email or at 614/728-2239. A teacher’s guide, designed to expose young people to Cuban culture and promote visual art literacy, is available online at www.riffegallery.org or by contacting the Riffe Gallery.
The exhibition is organized by Meridian International Center in partnership with the Eastern Cuba Cultural Exchange. The Riffe Gallery is supported by Ohio Building Authority. Media sponsors include Alive, CityScene, Ohio Magazine and Time Warner.
The Ohio Arts Council’s Riffe Gallery showcases the work of Ohio's artists and curators, exhibitions produced by the Ohio Arts Council’s International Program and the collections of the region’s museums and galleries. The Riffe Gallery’s Education Program seeks to increase public appreciation and understanding of those exhibitions.
The gallery is in the Vern Riffe Center for Government and the Arts, State and High Streets, Columbus, OH. Gallery hours are Tuesday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Wednesday, Thursday and Friday 10 a.m.-8 p.m., Saturday 12-8 p.m. and Sunday 12-4 p.m. Closed Monday and state holidays. Admission is free. Please visit us on the web at www.riffegallery.org. For information, call the Riffe Gallery at 614/644-9624.
The Ohio Arts Council is a state agency that funds and supports quality arts experiences to strengthen Ohio communities culturally, educationally and economically.
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