Cuba: Street Art and Music Clubs

Cuba contains just about every type of architecture beginning in the 1400s when Christopher Columbus first discovered Cuba. It is said Christopher Columbus exclaimed Cuba was, and I quote, " The goodliest land that eye ever saw, the sweetest thing in the world " when it was first seen. This was the beginning of a colonial architectural period. Architects were brought in from the modern world to design military bases or buildings and religious buildings like churches. As Cuba began to colonize influence from Spain became more prominent. Then Greek, French, Italian, and Roman architecture began to mix with Cuban architecture. Eventually, buildings were being built with stone from all over Europe and Cuba had an extremely rare and unique style. During the late 1900s, modern architecture was brought mainly from the U.S. and it forefronted simplicity and effectiveness. This included the first skyscraper modeled after the ones in Chicago and other cities at the time.

As one can see Cuban architecture evolved significantly since Cuba's discovery. The same can be observed with music. Cuban music is extremely unique just like its architecture. Cuba music is one of my new favorites. I love Pablo Milanes. One of the first genres to create a impact in Cuba was Cuban Rumba. Cuban Rumba originates from Havana during the 19th century. It can be seen in videos that Cuban Rumba has lots of side to side hip movements as well. It paved the way for very common types of dance like salsa. 

The Buena Vista Social Club, an ensamble of Cuban muscians, was first started in 1996. This music organization began as a premium club for Cuban jazz with few members and high quality entertainment. As time progessed it opened up to the public and became a hub for local Cuban musicians and performers. This was crucial to the development of music at the time given the Buena Vista Social Club gave otherwise nonexistent oppurtunotes to muscians and provided the support needed.

Cuba's music is at the fore front of their culture but music is not the only art Cuba has to offer. While there are a wide varitey of painters in Cuba, there is fair amount of street art. Cuban street art comes in the form of large murals typically but can also be graffiti or anti-propaganda pieces. The murals are important when it comes to bringing the community together. Murals are also very useful when the aim is to spread a message that the government may not approve. Some examples of murals are painted by Fabian Lopez. his inspirations come from hip hop and comics and he connects them to the struggles of the average Cuban. Another artist in Cuba is Yulier Rodriguez. Yulier has a unique style where obscure figures that can be made out in to things we see day to day and sometimes not. My favortie piece by Yulier illustrates demented people with a green background. It is very strange to look at but I very much can appreciate the talent and time it took to create. Although Yulier is very creative I tend to like Fabian Lopez's style the best as it feels relateble.

There are a plethora of street artist in Cuba. One in particular, Jose Parla colloaborated on a project called Wrinkles of the City. This project took 25 sienor citizens that had survived through the Cuban Revolution and incorporated their portriats into huge complex and abstract murals all over the city. Projects like this truly make Cuba a culturally rich place.

Questions:

What do you think the penaltys are for getting caught painting street art in Cuba?

Do you think people are afraid to create anti-propoganda murals in Cuba and why?

What type of Cuban music has the most soul and why?