Reply #17: Controversy is forbidden?

[Bridget Burke]

http://www.universes-in-universe.de/car/havanna/cabana/e_saav.htm

Lazaro Saavedra presented this piece at the 6th Biennial of Havana--back in 1997. It's location is "La Cabana"--an old fortress commanded by Che Guevara after the victory of the rebels. This particular chamber was used for executing secret police & others--but far fewer were executed than "exile" legends claim. I would not consider this work wholly complimentary to Castro, et al. However, most young Cubans criticize the status quo for not living up to the ideals of revolution--they want to return to the old days. The artists I have met, especially, realize that they received excellent art educations for free. And they come from families where this would have been impossible in the past.

(No, I haven't been to Cuba. But I've known people who have gone & I've met Cuban artists. This kind of artistic/cultural exchange is now less possible--due to crackdowns since Bush stole Florida.)