Muraleando

-

 Muraleando is a community art installation on the outskirts of Havanna. It was formerly a garbage dump, but beginning in 2001 artists have renovated the area and dubbed it the "Muraleando Community Art Project. Not only is there much creative art to see here, but professional artist volunteer their time to educate the youth about the arts from dancing to painting.

    The project was started at the beginning of the Special Period, a 10-year-long economic recession in the 1990s when the Soviet Union collapsed and Cuba's economy began to experience serious problems. Industries collapsed and experienced radical change. On average, Cubans lost 20 pounds per person. The average person was experiencing dire and desperate economic circumstances, and for most goods there was not enough to go around. Muraleando grew as a way for Cubans to express this group's trauma through artistic expression and cope with their unavoidable circumstances.

    Founded in a poor neighborhood of Havanna, Lawton, the area was especially affected by the Special Period and economic hardship. The residents had to be thrifty and make the most of what they had, one method of which included offering free art classes to children. This inspired a generation, and from there, inspiration took hold and the populace began renovating the neighborhood in an artistic fervor. In 2010 the project built a central gathering space dubbed "El Tanque" where artists advertise their work through an art gallery, workshops, and a central performance stage. The project keeps expanding even today, with artists and community members continuing to volunteer their time to improve the project and keep building. The project gained even more notoriety in 2014 when it was awarded the "National Prize for Community Culture."

    Given the cultural relevance of the site and the cultural aspects of it, I wholeheartedly think Murealando is worth visiting, It allows the visitor to see an interesting perspective of Cuba, where the people and community gathered together to make where they live better and into something unique. From this, I feel it has a lot to teach. It for one shows the culture of the Cuban people, through their artistic expression especially relating to the special period. It also seems to be a symbolic story of the country, where people make something out of nothing and everyone is better for it. This place seems to show the heart of Cuba and its people, and how they are able to adapt and even thrive under such desperate circumstances. Art can convey a lot about a culture, especially in Cuba with the censorship restrictions, and has many lessons to teach. For these reasons, it is a must-visit for anyone who is seeking to learn more about the country or its people.

What other places in Cuba are community-organized and highly culturally relevant?

Are places like this common in other countries? Why or why not?

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

The Consequences of the US Embargo On Cuba

-
  Since the 1960s, the United States has profoundly influenced the Cuban economy through the implementation of a strict trade embargo. The embargo isolated Cuba from the international economy subsequently shaping Cuba's contemporary economic, societal, and political landscape. The focus of this blog will be to examine the consequences of the US embargo and to discern the impact it has had on Cuban citizens.       In order to determine the impact of the US embargo, it is necessary to understand the reasons behind its implementation. Following the establishment of Fidel Castro's revolutionary socialist state, strong ties between the Soviet Union and Cuba were developed. In a move that certainly aligns with Castro's anti-US beliefs, broad antagonistic policies towards the US were adopted. Included in these policy changes was the nationalization  of all foreign assets in Cuba, tax hikes on U.S. imports, and the establishment trade deals with the ...
Read more

Discussion 2: Art Culture Identity

-
  I find the art culture in Cuba to be amazing. I like that it is an enormous part of their identity. I also like that it has historical significance and is rooted in the creation of an independent Cuba. For example Jose Martí was a huge figure in the fight against Spain in Cuba's war for independence. He was well known for his art and his poetry but he had a long lasting effect on the people of Cuba and people of Latin American countries. “Martíis influence has endured and may be said to embody a message for all people of all nations and cultures today.”(Google Arts and Culture). I like that in a similar manner to the “melting pot” the United States has for its people, Cuba is similar in the way that the arts are combinations of various cultures. For example the afro-cuban cultural movement included pieces. Not only was this in art work but also in the music that they created.One of the artists I found to be interesting was Wilfredo Lam. I found his talent to be interesting becaus...
Read more

Cuba and its Revolution, a Country Caught in the Middle

-
    Cuba for much of its history has been influenced or directed by a foreign power. From direct ownership from Spain in colonial times, to American influence in the mid 20th century, to Soviet partnership after that, Cuba never seems to be able to act fully on its own accord.      Beginning with the Spanish, after centuries of rule, the Cuban citizenry was tired of Spanish governance, specifically despotism and over-taxation. This led to a revolution and 10 year war against the Spanish which was ultimately unsuccessful. However, this was not the end, and in 1895 another revolutionary war occurred. This time, it was different. The United States, wanting to increase its influence over the island and protect its economic interests, entered the fight against the Spanish. They ultimately were successful, and in 1902 were allowed to become their own country.     Superficially, this sounds fantastic, however with all seemingly good things there is often a ca...
Read more