How Will the New U.S. – Cuba Ties Affect the Art World?
How Will the New U.S. – Cuba Ties Affect the Art World?
The visual arts in Cuba have already been globalized so not much will change on this front, suggests Americas Society Visual Arts Director Gabriela Rangel.
When president Barack Obama announced yesterday that the diplomatic relationship between the U.S. and Cuba would be fully restored, after an over 50-year freeze, it seemed as if the last vestige of the Cold War finally bit the dust. However, while diplomatic ties are loosened, travel restrictions eased and some imports permitted, the U.S. embargo on Cuban goods remains almost intact. The news generated lots of excitement in Cuba, and considerable controversy in the U.S., especially regarding the exchange of prisoners that was part of the deal.
The art world, too, is abuzz about the new Cuba situation, and what the implications might be for artists, collectors, dealers, and art institutions. Some art-world figures have already weighted in on the situation. "We are all attentive to the news!" Gabriela Rangel, visual arts director of the Americas Society, told, artnet News. "I believe the consequences will be more political than economic. The visual arts in Cuba have already been globalized, as some privileged artists are allowed to travel, exhibit, do residencies, and even live abroad. They already go back and forth at will...."
