Discussion 3: Dances, Arts, and Arches
One of the cool things about Cuba I am looking forward to is seeing the architecture. The architecture varies quite a bit and comes from many different eras. Im looking forward to this because I don’t get to see this sort of architecture in my day to day life. The only style that I would see in my day to day life would be greek styles such as columns on buildings. However, in Cuba they have colonial structures, baroque, spanish styles and many more. I think that the Neo-classical architecture found in Cuba is my favorite based on the videos and photos that I have seen. I like this style because it is typically the architecture that I think of when I think of Cuba.
Rumba is an intriguing form of dance and music. It has three sub categories within it consisting of Columbia, guaganco, and yambú. Each of the styles require different people and different speeds. It also requires multiple types of drums. It originates from the dock workers in Havana and Matanzas (Cuban Music History). The style is supposed to be spontaneous and to be for a party setting almost with fast music. However different styles have different speeds as I said. Rumba was really important because it was incorporated into a lot of other forms and genres of dance as well as music. It had also played a part in the creation of one of the most famous dance forms, the salsa. It's fascinating to think that Rumba that was created in Cuba had a huge influence in the creation of one of the most well known dance forms in latin america. I think the characteristic of Rumba that portrays the culture in Cuba is that it's unique and adaptable.
Yulier Rodriguez is a street artist in Cuba who likes to make art on buildings that are crumbling. I have a fondness for his art because I like that it tries to ameliorate the buildings and streets of Cuba. However,I think his art is definitely different from typical art that I see. In my opinion they can give you a feeling of uneasiness and despair. Yulier said “They are akin to souls or fables. They suffer.They wonder.They might be in pain or in a moment of contemplation” (Laskow, 2016). These descriptions he gave of his paintings are very apparent when you look at them and analyze them. I also admire that he just wants people to see his art. He paints in all kinds of neighborhoods which I think is respectable because he just wants his art to be seen. I think it's too bad that some people don't like it and try to take it down.
Discussion Questions:
Do you know of any other cultures where there is a huge combination of different kinds of music like there is in Cuba?
Is there a specific kind of Cuban art whether it is music or paintings that you want to see on our trip? What styles of music or which artists work would you want to see?
Laskow, Sarah. “The Haunting Street Art Adorning Havana’s Oldest Buildings.” Atlas Obscura, Atlas Obscura, 13 Dec. 2016, www.atlasobscura.com/articles/the-haunting-street-art-adorning-havanas-oldest-buildings.
Hi Mac!
ReplyDeleteI think another country where there is a significant mixing of cultures and types of music has to be the United States. Our history is similar with Cuba with massive slave immigration, and with us even more cultural immigration after that. This of course led to a lot of different types of music like rap, jazz, and rock which we then spread to the world. The Cuban music I especially look forward to seeing, and I know I want to visit Buena Vista Social Club in our free time. Regarding other types of art, I have no specific bucket list items, but want to see as much as I can. When studying abroad last time I was taken aback by the things I did not think about and how other cultures did things differently. I hope to have the same educational experience on our trip!
Yulier Rodriguez's street art brings a contemporary and thought-provoking aspect to Cuba's culture. His dedication to transforming crumbling buildings into canvases for expression is admirable. The emotions and narratives he infuses into his art, as described by him, provide a unique lens through which to view Cuba's urban landscape. It's unfortunate that some individuals may not appreciate or understand his work, but his commitment to making art accessible to diverse neighborhoods speaks volumes about his artistic integrity. Do you know where some of his street art is located?
ReplyDeleteTo answer your first question, I think a country that has a great variety of music in its culture is the United States. Whether it is different genres or even foreign music such as UK rap that has seemingly skyrocketed in popularity, there is a whole host of genres related to cultures that have immigrated here over time. As for your second question, I am very eager to see the street art in central Havana. This module has made me realize just how popular public art is in the capital and I look forward to seeing if I am able to identify different artists work that we have covered during this course.
ReplyDeletehonestly, Rodriguez is the one artist that I want to see. the main reason why is that I would find it hilarious to come home with a piece of his art since he says you can take it. I can only imagine the look on my mom's face when I came home and she saw a massive Stone in my backpack and wondered why the airfare was so expensive. I also want to see a bunch of the murals because I plan to do part of my essay on them. it also will be cool to compare the street graffiti that I see everywhere in New York City to the street murals in Cuba. most times street art is seen as graffiti or damaging to the community but in Cuba, it is instead seen as empowering a community and as something good. I want to see if I have that same idea when I go to Cuba and if the people there also share the same sentiment.
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