The Artist is a Cuban

José Rodríguez Fuster is a painter, a ceramicist, a sculptor, a poet, a chronicler of the spirit of his people and his time, a folk artist of enormous proportions, but most importantly, he is a transformative artist. His work will stay with you, amuse you, cause you to think, make you sit up and take notice. It is not small in scope. His palate is large, and his work expands to fill the space.

Driving into his neighborhood, you know you are somewhere special. Havana abounds with impressive architecture, but nothing on the order of the creativity that surrounds the blocks approaching his home and studio. Fuster has made a major contribution over 10 years of work of rebuilding and decorating the fishing town of Jaimanitas in the outskirts of Havana, where he lives. Jaimanitas is now a unique work of public art where Fuster has decorated over 80 houses with ornate murals, sculptures, tiles, and domes to suit the personality of his neighbors, he has built a chess park with giant boards and tables, The Artists’ Wall composed of a quilt of dozens of tiles signed and donated by other Cuban artists, a theater and public swimming pools. Stunning, and not to be missed.

In a country where people have struggles on a daily basis, it is remarkable how well supported the arts are. Many places would put food ahead of creative expression, yet such a place has nurtured this man, who has a playful and joyful style that exudes from everything around him. He asked for a consultation and while being examined, he created line drawings spontaneously. Every painting in his studio has a story. the story might change tomorrow, I do not know, but it is very fun to be with him.

This painting is the history of Cuba. It includes the church, colonialism, music, money, some of it tainted. It involves love, passion, hard work, adherence to values. It is colorful and it is optimistic. As Cuba sits today, on the brink of yet another change in it's checkered history as a nation, I am most hopeful when I see something like this, someone who sees so much promise and takes such pride in his country's heritage.