A work by Humberto Díaz in La madre de todas las artes at the Wifredo Lam Center of Contemporary Art
Courtesy Lam Center

In ancient civilizations, architecture was known as “the mother of all the arts.” That’s the starting point—as well as the title—of the exhibition opening this Saturday, March 26, at the Centro de Arte Contemporáneo Wifredo Lam. Curated by Nelson Herrera Ysla with the assistance of Loliett Marrero, La madre de todas las artes investigates the arquitectonic in contemporary Cuban art.

As interpreted by more than 50 artists, those manifestations range from the smallest detail—baseboards, doorways, bricks—to entire buildings, including homes, factories, schools, and hotels.

The participating artists reflect a range of generations, from Lisette Solórzano, Ibrahim Miranda, and Carlos Garaicoa to younger artists like Lidzie Alvisa, Diana Fonseca, and Celia y Yunior. The works on view reflect a variety of perspectives: ironic, critical, nostalgic, humorous, and more. The show also reflects the ways in which architecture has become an arena for reflection and debate on the socioeconomic shifts of recent years.

La madre de todas las artes is on view at the Wifredo Lam Center through May 7. Here is a preview of selected works in the show. For more images, see the photo album on the Cuban Art News Facebook page.

Sandra Ramos, Searching Ithaca, 2015
Courtesy Lam Center
Alexandre Arrechea, Ventanas (Windows)
Courtesy Lam Center
Roberto Diago, From the series Desde el silencio, 2013
Courtesy Lam Center
A work in the exhibition by Ariamna Contino
Courtesy Lam Center
Ibrahim Miranda, Marea I, from the series La marea
Courtesy Lam Center
Eduardo Rubén Garcia, Cabeza de cubo, 2014
Courtesy Lam Center
Julio Ferrer, Anoche soñé con La Habana, 2013
Courtesy Lam Center
Stainless, One of a Kind (The School of Athens), 2014
Courtesy Lam Center
Néstor Siré, Se vende esta casa
Courtesy Lam Center

La madre de todas las artes is on view at the Wifredo Lam Center through May 7.