A decade of excellence

Lesbia Vent Dumois, president of the Union of Cuban Writers and Artists (UNEAC) Visual Arts Association is proud of the close to 100 expositions the gallery has hosted over the first decade of it existence. In a brief encounter in the gardens of UNEAC headquarters, the artist discussed the current show which features, “a little in representation of what has happened here over these 10 years, for which we selected different artforms, the different ways of expressing oneself we have exhibited.” Alba, by Cosme Proenza (2008) Specializing in contemporary art, the gallery was founded in July 2004, within a restored mansion in Havana’s Vedado neighborhood, a building which reflects the city’s 20th century eclectic architectural style. As was often the case with these mansions, the house took on the name of its owner, becoming Villa Manuela, and although it may seem strange for an art gallery, the denomination was maintained. Located next to UNEAC headquarters, the gallery was initially devoted to the work of the organization’s members, reflecting all generations, genres and aesthetic concepts. Tribute to Alfredo González Rostgaard in 2004 The exhibition’s catalogue states, “The work of masters and renowned artists has been promoted and honored, some of them National Prize for Visual Arts winners. Expositions have been organized to summarize the evolutionary processes through which artistic expressions in Cuba have passed (in photography, audiovisual, installation, painting, engraving, sculpture, graphic design). Works done by emblematic provincial artists have been displayed … the innovative, contesting nature of conceptual artists of the last few years has been summarized, and the works of artists living abroad documented.” The gallery’s first exposition was dedicated to Alfredo Rostgaard, recalled Vivian Companioni speaking with GI, “Someone who became the only graphic artist to have exhibited in the Gallery.” Given that the ten year anniversary provides an opportunity for reflection, Vent Dumois stated, “We have gained prestige especially among artists, because we don’t pre-select what will be exhibited, but rather work on the basis of projects which the artists themselves present, and which the Visual Arts Association accepts based on their contemporary nature, relevance and the degree to which the artist is represented.” A few facts: Since 2004 to date, Villa Manuela has organized 95 expositions, among these 67 personal shows and 28 collective, featuring a total of 198 artists. Vent Dumois added that the gallery has gained a presence in the national market, and in the case of several shows, internationally. Vivian Campanioni reported that Villa Manuela has participated in several promotional and commercial fairs, including contemporary art fairs in Lima, Peru, and Houston, Texas; Lima-Photo; and ArtBo, in Bogota, Colombia. Art critic David Mateo wrote in the commemorative show’s catalogue, “In just 10 years of work, Villa Manuela has become one of the country’s most efficient galleries, where not only UNEAC members aspire to exhibit, but also creators unaffiliated with the organization, from different generations, styles and creative tendencies.” Among the features he emphasizes, Mateo mentions the gallery’s rigorous, specialized work, and “the magnificent conditions… a dynamic design, amenable to adaptation for any expression or mounting strategy… adequate air conditioning and illumination of the environments.” Given the unique conditions provided for the exhibition of works, and careful curating, Villa Manuela has reached a level of excellence in each of the expositions opened here, throughout its first ten years – an accomplishment worthy of celebration.