De Todo un Poco (A Little of Everything): Día Seis

Happy 4th of July everyone!!

We started off our day at the Office of the International Videoart Festival of Camagüey. It involves the exhibition, development and research in the area of media art. They use technology as a support for creation, as a tool, as a language to communication, to think about, and not as a goal itself. It is open to all types of art, to young, and renowned artists, to experts, and the general public. The building that the office is located in a restored movie theater. The organization is self financed and uses funds collected from displays of art, concerts and movies.

^ CT this one above is for you! It translates to: "I am an artist, but this does not mean I work for free. I have debts like you. Art is not mere fun. Art is my time, my effort and my work. It is what I do to live. Thank you for understanding."

Then we were off to see a contemporary ballet company. They focus on two different types of performances. One type is geared towards the theater. It is a modern interpretation of classic techniques. The other is performed for younger adults that may never make their way to a theater. The second type involves humor, excitement and emotions through story throughout the dance. It was absolutely amazing! As Cubans, they start dancing very young, between the ages of 2 and 4. The more formal training for such dancing as we viewed begins around age 10. They have traveled internationally performing.

Then Jean and other members of our tour group joined in!

We then went on to visit 3 art galleries. The first was a member of UNEAC which is the Union of Cuban Artists and Writers. The gentleman had been a member since 1986, is an independent artist and professor in addition to a member of the selection committee of the union. It is not necessary to be Cuban to be a member. There are international members. The specific office we visited also has ties to Madison, Wisconsin. Originally connected as a medical exchange and later an art exchange. Each month they promote a new artist. Jean and I both purchased some awesome art there!

Then we visited another artist's studio. Not much art here was for sale and of many different artists.

The last gallery was of a man that used leather as his medium. Mostly goat skin. Below is his interpretation of the güije I mentioned in a previous blog post.

And some pieces that are also humidors.

We then headed to lunch.. it was delicious! After that we had some free time and we explored the area some more. We ran out of cash and had to go back to a studio that ended up being closed. He told us if it was just come around to his side door and he would let us in. It was like we were insiders. So enjoyable. Here are some random pictures from today that I enjoyed!