Deciphering the the radical message of Cuban street art
Cuba through the Looking Glass
From Havana’s startling graffiti to Fusterlandia’s zany sculpture, Cuban art is full of mystery and symbolism.
A long, blue pool stretches across the center of the compound. It is surrounded by tall palm trees and slippery, red-lipped fish. Looking down from his home above the water, a laughing monkey sits atop the pregnant giraffe’s back. Roosters spread their wings in the sun. Nearby, a gigantic strawberry-and-pistachio sundae with a cherry on top melts in the bright December light. There is no sound.
I move silently, glad I wore my sneakers. It’s still early, and I don’t want to disturb the residents or draw attention to myself as I climb to the third story of the compound for a better look.
Cowboys are everywhere. One wears heavy black mascara and blood-red lipstick. There is a fish where his heart should be. Another cowboy rides off on a dragon, his long blue cape blowing in the breeze. The mermaid in his arms does not look happy to be there; I think perhaps he is kidnapping her. A third cowboy stands, motionless, holding his bright red crutches. I skirt them all, one after another, making my way quickly to the top of the building where a huge red…
