Sandra Ramos, Hoja de tabaco (tabacco leaves), 2008. Photos courtesy of Pizzuti Collection
The Pizzuti Collection presents Cuban Forever Revisited, an exhibition that showcases the work of artists who are Cuban or of Cuban descent, starting on Sept. 16. The exhibit features a mix of more than 70 paintings, sculptures, prints and videos from two Columbus collections.
Contemporary Cuban art from the collection of Ron and Ann Pizzuti as well as from the Mershad Family collection will fill all three floors of gallery space. Some of the artists showcased include Salvador Corratgé, René Francisco, Kelvin Lopez and many more. According to Assistant Curator Greer Pagano, most of the paintings and sculptures have never before been exhibited (with the exception of two historical paintings by Raul Martinez).
When the Pizzuti Collection opened its doors in 2013, the very first exhibition featured Cuban art. Members took two trips to Havana, Cuba to view and collect more art after the first exhibition. Cuban Forever Revisited showcases new pieces that were collected while on these trips.
“Visitors will be surprised by the elegance and refinement of the works in this show,” Pagano says.
Michel Perez Pollo, Gran Pared, 2013
The exhibition will be on display until Dec. 31 at the Pizzuti Collection on North Park Street as well as at Le Meridien, the Joseph on North High. It is a must see for anyone who is interested in contemporary art or learning about Cuban culture through the eyes of Cuban artists.
“Cuban Forever Revisited is an exceptional survey of contemporary art that draws on specific themes of nationhood, Cuban history and politics while also addressing universal ideas of home, marriage, love and change,” says Pagano.
Every season the Pizzuti Collection presents a wide range of exhibits that excite the community. The nonprofit organization also offers educational programs, lectures, artist talks and special events throughout the year. A sculpture garden and a public resource library also accompany the galleries that the Pizzuti family restored in an historic building in the Short North Arts District.
Jenny Wise is a contributing writer. Feedback welcome at gbishop@cityscenemediagroup.com.