Pedro Alvarez: How Havana Stole from New York the Idea of Cuban Art [Pinspot #7]

The paintings of Cuban artist Pedro Alvarez are dense tapestries that weave art historical and pop culture images together to explore issues of geography, race, and identity, challenging viewers to look beneath the surface of their own cultural foundations. In this series of works, Alvarez pulled images from Cuban cigarette and cigar labels from the 19th century, which reflect the economic, political, and racial conditions prevalent at the time. The central narrative scenes are then painted and collaged over by the artist.

36 pages, Softcover, 8 7/8 x 6 inches, 2000