Radical and Anti-Imperialist Art on the Streets of Cuba

With the recent visit of US President Barack Obama in Cuba and talks of lifting the decades-old embargo (it is still in effect), many Americans are excited at the notion of touring the long estranged Caribbean island. Cuba attracts those fascinated by its complicated history and ardent anti-imperialist modern culture, but it also boasts beautiful beaches, classic cars, colonial architecture, beautiful music and dance, and delicious Cuban cigars complemented by an assortment of Rum drinks. For those literary geeks among us, Cuba offers inspiration in the form of Ernest Hemingway’s favorite hang out spots and watering holes.

But aside from these marketing clichés, any self-respecting tourist must take time to admire the incredible variety of Cuban art. This can be easily achieved by visiting the truly wonderful Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes in Havana and complemented by walking the streets. As a culture led by a staunch and long-time anti-American socialist regime, it should be no surprise that the streets of Cuba’s cities are riddled with political art. Here are some gems:

Art by Martirena
Art by Martirena

 

Famous Cubans immortalized (from right: Guillermo Moncada, Jose Marti, Felix Varela, Camilo Cienfuegos, Fidel Castro, Che Guevara)
Famous Cubans immortalized (from right: Guillermo Moncada, Jose Marti, Felix Varela, Camilo Cienfuegos, Fidel Castro, Che Guevara)

 

Art by Linares
Art by Linares

 

Art by Adano
Art by Adano

 

Art by Roland William Ale
Art by Roland William Ale

 

Che Guevara and Hugo Chavez looking up at Simon Bolivar
Fidel Castro and Hugo Chavez looking up at Simon Bolivar

 

Art by Lacoste
Art by Lacoste

 

Art by Martirena
Art by Martirena

 

Unknown artist
Unknown artist

 

Art by Javier
Art by Javier

 

Cuban revolutionary propaganda
Cuban revolutionary propaganda

 

Art by Linares
Art by Linares

 

Art by Feddor
Art by Feddor

 

Art by Ramses
Art by Ramses

 

Art by Lacoste
Art by Lacoste

 

Art by Javier
Art by Javier

 

Art by Osval and Andez
Art by Osval and Andez

 

Art by Andez
Art by Andez

 

Art by Mongo and Santiago
Art by Mongo and Santiago

 

Art by Osval
Art by Osval

 

Stencil featuring a modern version of the spread of the Cuban revolution
Stencil featuring a modern version of the spread of the Cuban revolution

 

Unknown artist
Art by Shekra

All photos copyright Yoav Litvin

 

 

 

 

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