Arts, Etc.Fine Art

Cuban artists’ work visits Tall Wall

An unusual exhibition of Cuban art is on display at the Tall Wall Space in the Arts and Communication Building. Don Pollock, professor of communications, participated in a collegial study trip and returned with the paintings to sell. Proceeds from the sale of the paintings will go to the Cuban artists. Sophomore sociology major Natalie Camacho shares a moment with Janice Sullivan, communications department administrative assistant, whose office faces the Tall Wall Space. The show continues until Sept. 30. A reception is scheduled for 6 p.m. Sept. 20. / photo by Reina Santa Cruz
An unusual exhibition of Cuban art is on display at the Tall Wall Space in the Arts and Communication Building. Don Pollock, professor of communications, participated in a collegial study trip and returned with the paintings to sell. Proceeds from the sale of the paintings will go to the Cuban artists. Sophomore sociology major Natalie Camacho shares a moment with Janice Sullivan, communications department administrative assistant, whose office faces the Tall Wall Space. The show continues until Sept. 30. A reception is scheduled for 6 p.m. Sept. 20. / photo by Reina Santa Cruz

Michelle Loggia
Staff Writer

The University of La Verne Art Department will host the official opening of paintings by Cuban artists, at 6 p.m. Sept. 20, in the Arts and Communications Building lobby.

Donald Pollock, professor of communications, bought the art in Cuba and brought it to the United States.

“This was an educational trip, so everything was sanctioned by the U.S. State Department,” Pollock said.

The art was purchased over two educational trips. The first trip was taken in 2001 during an exchange program. The second trip was taken in 2003 with Brethren Colleges Abroad.

After the Communist Revolution in Cuba, the Cuban government took an interest in developing an artistic tradition. The government paid for the development of art schools and museums and began cultivating artists.

“They look for kids who have talent for art, and then they are classically trained,” Pollock said.

After training is complete, Cuba expects the artists to use their talent and training to aid the revolution. Essentially, artists are expected to use their artwork to elevate Cuba’s cultural standing.

However, Cuba is not known for its craft heritage. Tourism is the driving force of the economy.

“You don’t have a whole gallery scene there,” Pollock said.

Artworks by Cuban masters are sold cheap to tourists, because tourists comprise the only market available.

“Top artists are selling at craft fairs,” Pollock said.

Though in Cuba, there are worse ways to make a living.

“The average salary in Cuba is $15 to $20 a month. A painting can sell for $30 or $40,” Pollock said.

There are unique qualities that can be attributed to the work on display. Cuban artists have married training and culture to create their masterpieces.

“There are three main styles,” Pollock said.

There is “tourist art” featuring popular tourist attractions in Cuba.

Secondly, there is artistic expression styled after art masters, such as Picasso.

Finally, there is a unique individual style of Cuban artists using expression to paint the way they want to paint.

No matter the style, Cuban life and atmosphere are represented in the art pieces.

“Cuba is a beautiful country and has very nice people,” said Michael Laponis, professor of communications. Laponis also went to Cuba in 2003 with Brethren Colleges Abroad.

“Cuba is an exotic destination, forbidden fruit, it has a lot of color,” Pollock said.

The paintings on display also have a lot of color.

“Banana Tree,” “Horny Horse Woman” and “Mujer Ternuna Red” are titles of some of the work on display. These titles are vague hints of what can actually be viewed.

“You can try to describe them, but the only way to appreciate this work is to really see it,” said Kori Bennett, a ULV junior psychology student, on her way to drawing class.

The artwork is for sale. Prices range from $50 to $250. Profit made would be used for a trip back to Cuba to buy more art to further support Cuban artists.

Anyone interested in purchasing artwork for sale may contact Don Pollock at (909) 593-3511, Ext. 4277.

Michelle Loggia can be reached at msloggia@aol.com.

Michelle Loggia
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Reina Santa Cruz
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