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 In 1939, anthropologist Fernando Ortiz characterized Cuban culture as ajiaco, a rich stew consisting of a large variety of ingredients. The ingredients of the “stew” include Catholicism brought in by the Spaniards; the spirituality of the Yoruba slaves and their cultural traditions from Africa; and the Chinese indentured servants who brought Buddhism, Confucianism, and Taoism. The base of the stew is the indigenous people, such as Tainos, who were almost wiped out by the Spaniards. This exhibition is a survey of modern and contemporary Cuban artists that explores these rich cultural roots of Cuban art. In contemporary society, the “stew” has become thicker and richer as the influences become more complex and intermixed: the artist now borrows not only from the traditional cultures that populated the island, but also appropriates from contemporary everyday life. The exhibition includes works by leading artists in a variety of media, from paintings, works on paper and photography to mixed-media sculpture and installations.
 The Ajiaco: Stirrings of the Cuban Soul catalogue includes works by leading Cuban artists in a variety of media, from paintings, works on paper and photography to mixed-media sculpture and installations and is available for purchase at the Newark Museum Shop.
This exhibition is curated by Dr. Gail Gelburd and organized by the Lyman Allyn Art Museum.
Special project support provided by:
Kathy and Mark Grier
  
Banner image (detail):
María Magdalena Campos-Pons (b. 1959), Cia Cara, 2005, Polaroid on panel, two images on two sheets: 20 x 24 in. each, edition 1/1 (50.8 x 60.96 cm.) Collection of Bernice Steinbaum Gallery, Florida
Main images:
María Magdalena Campos-Pons (b. 1959), Cia Cara, 2005, Polaroid on panel, two images on two sheets: 20 x 24 in. each, edition 1/1 (50.8 x 60.96 cm.) Collection of Bernice Steinbaum Gallery, Florida
Mendive, Se Alimenta mi Espíritu, (My Soul is Nourished), 2007. Acrylic on canvas, 64 ¾ x 95 in. Collection of Ramón and Nercys Cernuda, Florida.
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