Is one of the most seductive beings of the Cuban plastic arts. Since Zaida del Río appeared on the island's cultural scene in the 1970s, nothing was the same. The famous Cuban, known worldwide for representing the feminine world and always appealing to the voice of nature, brings to the stage a new exhibition.
Named Everything began in surprise, it is exactly a revelation that can be seen from October 5 to November 25 in the gallery Origins of the Grand Theater of Havana "Alicia Alonso". To learn about the feeling of this exhibition, we spoke with Alaen Ledesma Fernández, promoter of Cuban art and curator of many of Zaida del Río's exhibitions.
We usually know A Zaida focused on the feminine being but now, almost like the title of the expo, it surprises us. This will be a sample inspired by the masculine universe and with homoerotic airs. Why the change? What does Zaida want us to feel and explore?
It is an exhibition inspired by the masculine universe, homoerotic expressions and homosexuality. It consists of 21 works of large formats in white, black, charcoal, oil and acrylics in its variety of colors. An invitation to be what everyone wants to be, a call to gender freedom and above all a cry for equality. This is a subject that has always fascinated her. It is a tribute to her gay friends who are so loved by her and in whom she has also been inspired. She seeks that people feel identified in their majestic works, woven from their world full of beauty, poetry and sensuality.
Where do you think this new exhibition lead us?
This exhibition leads us to reflect on a much more inclusive society that opts for a discourse in favor of diversity and to accept all people as they are.
What does it represent in Zaida's career?
For Zaida it represents a challenge. It is a before and an after. It is one of her many traces in our culture. A bird woman who transfigures and reinvents herself all the time, who bets for beauty and perfection, for life and for the creation of good art. For me, it is also a challenge. Working with Zaida has made me grow as an artist and as a human being. Always is a privilege to have all her love, support, trust and love.
Her work is capable of seducing from a first glance and is certainly one of the most intense and fascinating artists that today has the panorama of the plastic arts in Cuba. How to achieve, from the role of cultural promoter, show those immense worlds of Zaida?
It is a new proposal, a firm drawing, beautiful bodies of naked men who tell you stories. She has a technical ability to build her particular worlds of symbols and inspiration. Zaida is a tireless creator who always amazes me. When I started working on this series at the end of February, I was in Havana for the Habano Festival in which we worked together for more than 6 years now. Then, I had the opportunity to see her create those great silhouettes of perfect men without having to look at them physically. It is a majestic series. I love her work. We are united by a great friendship of more than 18 years and have followed her work closely. I have defended, commissioned and curated some of her exhibitions, inside and outside the Island. We are always connected in some project or planning another. I consider her a being endowed with intelligence and talent. Always ready, responsible and organized. With a firm word and a desire to always do and create. A multifaceted woman, draftsman, engraver, painter, ceramist, sculptor, muralist, singer, writer and poet. An artist par excellence, my favorite. For me, the Amelia Peláez of these times.
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