Page 44 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Cuba

42 ❯❯ The Top 10 of Everything

Writers and Artists

(see p36). He wrote profusely for
the cause of social justice, pan-
Americanism, and liberty.
Wifredo Lam (1902–82)
4
Born in Sagua la Grande, Lam
befriended many leading European
painters while living in Paris. His
works reflect Afro-Cuban culture.
Dulce María Loynaz
5
Cuban writer Alejo Carpentier (1902–97)
The doyenne of Cuban poetry,
Alejo Carpentier
1 Loynaz went into relative seclusion
(1904–80)
following the Revolution, after her
Carpentier is known for his cultural husband fled Cuba. Her works
journalism focused on Afro-Cuban were rediscovered in the 1980s,
traditions. He was sent into exile for when she re- engaged with
opposing General Machado. After literary circles. An erotic intensity
the Revolution (see p37), he headed infuses many of her works.
Cuba’s state publishing house. Nicolás Guillén
(1902–89)
Amelia Peláez
2 6
(1896–1968)
Considered the poet laureate of Cuba,
Influenced by Matisse and Picasso, Guillén’s African heritage is reflected
this ceramicist and painter is best in his distinctive poesía negra (black
known for her vast mural of blue, poetry). He joined the Communist
black, and white glass tiles adorning Party at an early age and became
Hotel Habana Libre (see p77). president of the National Union of
Writers and Artists.
José Martí (1853–95)
3 René Portocarrero
Perhaps the leading Latin
(1912–85)
American essayist, poet, and 7
journalist of the 19th century, Martí One of Cuba’s masters, Portocarrero
led the Independence movement is well represented in the Museo

The Jose Martí Monument in Parque Central Havana

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