The image is the reality of the invisible world
My Vision
This project emerged from a deep desire to reinterpret Cuban literature through a series of charcoal portraits that, beyond capturing the appearance of fourteen emblematic Cuban writers, aim to reveal their essence and legacy. With a contemporary approach, the exhibit goes beyond the two-dimensional, incorporating the exhibition space as a narrative element in itself, blending in technologies that allow the audience to immerse themselves in an atmosphere where words and images meet.
Context
“El rostro de las letras” surgió de una indagación personal: explorar la realidad cubana a través de la obra y la identidad de sus autores más destacados. En una época en la que las expresiones artísticas pueden ser fragmentadas o controvertidas, quise abordar temas relevantes de nuestra sociedad cubana de una manera honesta, adentrándome en el lado humano de estos autores y permitiendo que su propia letra y sus objetos personales se convirtieran en parte de la experiencia. Este proceso creativo tomó tres años, durante los cuales el proyecto evolucionó, enriquecido por el contacto directo con cada escritor y el mundo que habitan.
Key Elements of the Exhibition
The exhibition is organized around three main themes. First, the charcoal portraits that depict each author, reflecting not only their features but also their journey. Then, personal items accompany each portrait as symbols of their private world. Lastly, the use of new technologies and audiovisual resources allows the visitor to immerse themselves in a three-dimensional narrative, adding layers of meaning. These themes connect image, text, and object in a unity that celebrates Cuban literature and the identity of its protagonists.
Technique and Concept
The technique used varies between charcoal, white pencil, and collage on kraft paper, allowing for an exploration of light and shadow to convey the ages, expressions, and literary themes of each author. Critic Antonio Seoane’s words capture this well: the monochromatic backgrounds evoke memories of these authors, linking their faces to fragments of their own texts, giving their words a visual dimension accessible to the viewer.
Impact and Reflection
Walking through this exhibit left a mark on my perspective as an artist and deepened my connection with the audience. This project sought to break the barrier between readers and the literary figure, allowing visitors to see a human being first and foremost, beyond the figure of the writer. “The Face of Letters” invites us to know the human face of Cuban literature, emphasizing the unique link between the written legacy and the visual identity of its authors.
Documentation and Project Legacy
To preserve and share the depth of this process, the documentation includes recorded interviews, handwritten messages from the authors, and a catalog gathering the portraits, objects, and every detail of the assembly process. This record serves as a document that makes the human dimension behind the work visible, prolonging the experience and connection the public felt in the exhibition space.
Works
Details
The Legacy
Conversation with Leonardo Padura
During the creation of this exhibition, I had the privilege of visiting several writers personally, with each one opening the door to the next.
It was a unique journey, where the path itself became the true work of art. For me, the creative process was the heart of this project, and I have tried to document it in various audiovisual materials.
Here, I present a conversation I held with Leonardo Padura, born in Havana in 1955, one of the most influential contemporary Cuban authors. Awarded the National Literature Prize of Cuba and the Princess of Asturias Award for Literature, Padura is renowned for his series of detective novels featuring the character Mario Conde.
In his work, he explores themes of justice, identity, and memory in present-day Cuba. His most celebrated novel, The Man Who Loved Dogs, addresses political disillusionment on the island and has received international acclaim for its depth and historical resonance. Padura is one of the writers honored in The Face of Letters.